This is most of the third of a trio of McCormick Deering tractors displayed at this fruit stand. This one was possibly robbed of parts over the years in attempts to keep the others running. All three appear to be 10-20s. They were built by International Harvester from 1923 to 1939. This model was the smallest of a line of Deering tractors made at the time, the largest being a 22-36, producing approximately twice the power of the 10-20.
Model History
The 10-20 looked much like the McCormick-Deering 15-30 but was considerably smaller. With its 2-plow rating it replaced the International 8-16. The engine was a 284ci ohv 4-cylinder governed at 1,000 rpm, coupled to a 3-speed transmission. In 1928 the 10-20 was given slightly more power by increasing the governed rpm to 1,025.
The 1918 Fordson turned the tractor world upside down with its front-radiator automotive styling, unit construction, light weight, 251 ci 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission, and mass-production methods to keep the price down. Also in 1918 International Harvester brought out the sloped-hood International 8-16, with the same size engine as the Fordson and a 3-speed transmission, but it was quite a bit heavier and with a higher initial price of $1,150. The International didn’t sell nearly as well as the Fordson despite price cuts to make it more competitive.
International’s real Fordson-fighter, introduced in 1923, was the very modern (for the day) McCormick-Deering 10-20. It was priced at $785 and was an immediate success. The 10-20 stayed in production until 1939. Sales dropped off in the later years after the company brought out the newer McCormick-Deering W-30.
From the Tractor Wiki