Ditto what Gary and Dakota have said.  Additionally, that is not a diesel dash, fuel tank, or hood.  Of course, all of those could have been swapped at some time as well.  More likely though is that the frame (tub) has been swapped out.  If we're starting a pool, I'm betting the serial number you find on the top of the transmission case is not going to match the one on the tag on the frame.  ;-)

Keep us posted!

JB

Sure thing.  I have another question for you guys.  So I am going through the basic components on there and I saw the generator held on by one bolt only.  The belt was on also.  I removed it and straightened the bracket that someone stretched to get the generator on.  The current brackets or generator are wrong I found out.  What do I need for the correct brackets, or will I have to replace the generator?
Thanks again guys for all the input.

The jury is out gentlemen.  Here is the serial numbers.  Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.

44DR 4865

Well, I am surprised!  I would have lost that bet.  Somebody went to a lot of effort when they replaced the original diesel with a gasoline engine, also replacing the hood, fuel tank, and dash with the gasoline versions.  Interesting!

That won't make it any less fun to fix up and play with.  You just have something somewhat unique.  Enjoy!

JB

I think the jury has returned with a verdict!  Great job finding the numbers on the tranny!!! To be they look to match 44DR.  That would make it the diesel in a row crop configuration.  It is definitely a row-crop but...

It looks to me as though the tub and rear ended numbers are the same.  So the only conclusion we can conclude is the engine was once a diesel but at some point in the tractor's life was replaced to the current gas unit.

So what does that mean?  In my opinion, not much to most of us!!!  If it is a good running straight tractor and you want to put the money into it to restore (or work at cleaning it up) and keep it then it just becomes part of the history of the tractor and can be shared when you sell it in the future.  If you are a purest then you would sell it as is and find one that is correct to restore.

The tractor looks good so I would really think about keeping in this condition.  Most of the tractor is a 1952 model.
 
Just my thoughts!  

Gary

I too have a Massey 44 serial number 44ds 5477 with gas motor original paint and if the motor was  changed they must have done it early on.Was wondering if a dealer could have done it because it all looks original the guy I bought it from bought it in Wisconsin. Thanks Wayne

I wonder if the factory had a shortage and just put the motor they had in?

I just wanted to post a follow up with everyone on here about the 44.  The tractor is all fixed up and I have been using it.  It was enjoyable to fix up and works great.  There was a good number of mistakesn that i did but  it is going strong.  After this coming summer I plan to get it painted.  I want to run it for another season first.   

Thanks for the update on your tractor.  Glad you are enjoying it.  I am doubtful that the gasoline engine was installed in it at the factory.  But, with Massey-Harris, you just never know for sure.

Cheers,

JB