Heartland Acres Agribiton Center announces the arrival of the rare and historically significant 1944 WWII Case SI “Airborne” Tractor. The display joins a line-up of agricultural displays, ranging from the early 1800’s to present day.
WWII U.S. military supremacy was aided by agricultural manufacturers during one of the largest military build-ups of the day. U.S. military equipment specifications called for heavy duty use, quick and easy transportation, and simple serviceability. The CASE SI met these specifications.
The Case SI “Airborne” was a standard tractor with special added features to meet combat needs. Hooks for tie-downs in gliders as well as C-47 transport aircraft were added. The bucket of the SI was built to clear hedgerows and other obstacles. A pan was built underneath the driver seat to allow for ballast. During transport, the pan was left empty but once on site was filled with sand, gravel, or any available material to aid in keeping the tractor stable during operation. When transportation was needed again a hinged door on the bottom of the pan was opened to allow the ballast materials out to reduce transportation weight.
As part of the military display at Heartland Acres visitors will also see a British BSA W-M20 Military motorcycle on loan from the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. The Case SI “Airborne” Tractor is on loan from Ken Cerra from Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional exhibits include an ammo belt manufactured by Hinson Manufacturing from Waterloo, Iowa and a M1 Garand rifle built by International Harvester as well as other interesting military items.
See these and many other fascinating displays, hands on activities, and the ongoing and ever changing story of our agricultural heritage at Heartland Acres in Independence, Iowa.
For more information about Heartland Acres please call (319) 332.0123.
