Rare Massey Harris No. 3

Here is Jeffrey Garbutt from Keene, Ontario on his 1921 Massey Harris No. 3 tractor after a complete restoration.

The tractor was found in a gravel pit in the Bancroft area in 1969 by Jeffrey’s uncle, Trueman Dunford. It was last used to crush gravel for the local roads. In 1971 the tractor was purchased and restored by David Garbutt and Everett MacFarlane with 13-year-old Jeffrey in the middle of the action. In 2015, after Jeffrey’s father passed it was stripped down and given a complete restoration, with help from his son Richard. 

The Waukesha engine is in its original condition and has only had the spark plugs replaced. The clearances in the mains and rods where all acceptable. The clutch brake has been replaced since it was completely gone. It appears the brake has been inoperable for some time, since the main gear shows damage. Low gear is no longer used to prevent further damage, it’s too slow anyway.

It is one of 3 known to exist from a production run of about 40 units before Massey-Harris discontinued the Weston-series tractors made in Toronto, Ontario. This model is based on the Parrett tractor. Massey-Harris purchased the rights to build and sell the Parrett tractor in 1918.

Photo by the talented Carrie Nickerson. 

Jeffrey Garbutt of Keene Ontario, Canada