[johndeereelfman]

On the 26th of April, in 1966, John Deere introduced the new 112 lawn and garden tractor. It was basically the same design, styling, and general configuration of the Model 110, however the 112 did incorporate the following changes:

1. 10hp Tecumseh HH100 cast iron engine.

2. Tire equipment would include (2) tire options only, the GT-3 and GT-4 series tires.

3. All 112 tractors will be regularly equipped with heavy-duty front wheel spindles.

4. GT-3 tire series 112 tractors will be available with manual or hydraulic lift, factory options only. GT-4 tire series 112 tractors will be available with hydraulic lift only. 

5. Mower Drive will be factory assembled on all 112 series tractors. A double primary drive belt transmits increased engine power to the intermediate drive shaft. A spring tension lever is incorporated with the mower drive for easier and faster hook-up of mower intermediate drive belt. 

6. To utilize the additional horsepower, a new 46" Rotary Mower was offered. This mower is similar in appearance and design to the Model 38 Rotary, and used the same spindles, bearings, and bearing housings as the Model 34 and 38 Rotary Mowers. 

          Features not common to the Model 38 Mower were:

          - Width of Cut = 46"

          - Safety Chute = Overhangs blade tip 8"

          - Blades = 16" with 1" over-lap

          - Mower Drive = A double belt drive transmits engine power to the intermediate drive shaft.

The Model 112 Tractor was an attempt to satisfy those customers who require a little more horsepower for rototilling, snowthrowing, and a larger capacity 46" rotary mower and still have all the features of the 110 tractor. 

 

[SelectOSpeed]

Fact, Fiction, or Urban Legend ?  A revered, very knowledgeable fellow collector has related to me the reason the original 112s used Tecumseh engines instead of Kohler. The story has it that Deere inquired of Kohler about providing 10hp engines for the upcoming 112. Kohler's reply was they couldn't meet the demand, so Deere approached Tecumseh. The story continues to the Flat Fender models when Kohler realized their mistake and offered Deere 10hp engines, thus the 112 FF's could be had with either. A study of 112 FF serial numbers indicates that the respective engines were installed in separate serial runs or blocks, and not co-mingled on the assembly line. Then the question arises of why Deere used two different makes of engines. I am of the opinion Deere had contractual obligations to Tecumseh for "X" amount of engines over a period of time, and when said obligations were met, Kohler became exclusive.  I do wonder if Kohler made concessions to Deere to get them back so to speak.  Can anyone substantiate, add or subtract to this ?  Opinions??   J.

 

[johndeereelfman]

I'm not sure if your story is fact or fiction John, however I do know that the 10hp Tecumseh engine wasn't the first Tecumseh engine. If fact, the first Tecumseh engine that John Deere used was the 6hp VH-60 used in the 1966 60 lawn tractors. The model 60 lawn tractor was introduced in February of 1966, while the model 112 wasn't introduced until April of 1966. I have literature stating that the VH-60 6hp Tecumseh engine was the first engine that Deere and Tecumseh used together.

As for your statement or story, it very well could be true. I was thinking however, that Kohler already had a 10hp engine on the market in 1966, however I can't think for the life on me right now, what brand tractor it was being used in back then.  If Kohler wasn't producing the 10hp engine at the time, then it makes sense for Deere to utilize the 10hp Tecumseh since Deere and Tecumseh were already working together on the VH-60. 

 

[SelectOSpeed]

Jacobsen/Ford had 10hp Kohler in 1966 Ford 100 LGT.  J.

 

[SelectOSpeed]

Another thought....maybe Tecumseh boys sweetened the pot for the Deere purchasing boys......IE;  whiskey, women, and an Oldsmobile :0.  J.

 

[johndeereelfman]

Jacobsen/Ford had 10hp Kohler in 1966 Ford 100 LGT.  J.

That's it, Thanks John! I knew the engine was made, but just couldn't put my finger on the brand that was using it.  

 

[MiniHomesteader]

I’m wondering if the decision to use the Tecumseh 10 horse was based on size constraints.

 

[SelectOSpeed]

I’m wondering if the decision to use the Tecumseh 10 horse was based on size constraints.

Homesteader I was pleasantly surprised to receive notice of your post on this old subject. There is not much difference in the physical size between 10hp Kohler and Tecumseh engines. At a distance it is hard for an untrained eye to distinguish between the two. I guess we will never verify the old urban legend. Thanks for your interest in the old post and hello to my old friend Kyle ! SoS.

 

[Kster526]

Good to see you back on my friend

 

[johndeereelfman]

Welcome back buddy!!! Glad to hear from you again!!

 

[Kster526]

Ditto to you Troy
Would love to get caught up with you