1920 International Harvester 15-30 Titan Serial Number: EC3393 Nickname: ''Flaming Four'' Weight: 8,990 lbs. Production of the International 15-30 tractor began in 1918 and continued into 1921. This model used a four-cylinder engine with a 5 ¼ x 8 inch bore and stroke with a speed rating of 575 rpm. In 1918, the list price was $1,900. Typical of IH tractors at the time, the 15-30 was over-engineered. While the engine has four cylinders, the tractor has seven different carburetors. One was used to start the engine on gasoline. Once the engine was running, it switched over and ran through four kerosense carburetors. Two more carburetors managed water injection while the engine was running on kerosene. This example was originally mechanically refurbished by Louis Buice and Ray Miller of Georgetown, Texas. The tractor has since been fully restored. Owned and operated by the Buice family of Waco, Texas.
The Case model 20-40 was introduced in 1912 and was built through 1919. The tractor weighs in at 14,000 lbs. and offered an uncomplicated, economical design. Case's engine is of a two cylinder opposed design with an 8 inch bore, 9 inch stroke, and runs at 475 RPM. Already having proved very successful in the steam engine and thresher business, Case spared no expense on design and continual improvements of this tractor. Not only did the 20-40 have two engines during its production, it also had three major radiator design changes during its time to move from a daft induced design to an automotive truck type radiator that proved to be more efficient and less cost prohibitive. Case employed a very unique ratchet cranking design that eliminated the danger to the operator if the engine backfired while cranking and allowed the tractor to be cranked from the ground. Lou and Calvin Buice bought this tractor on August 3, 197 4 near an old cotton gin in Lorena, Texas for $400.00. If you're familiar with the downtown Lorena area, it was behind the old middle school near the railroad tracks. Lou, Calvin and many friends got the tractor back to operating condition in the ?O's under a shade tree outside the Speegleville Store. It has since been professionally restored. Owned and operated by the Buice family.
