One of the most unusual-looking configurations that I’ve seen, this 1980s Mitsubishi MT180 HMD 4×4 diesel tractor is wearing full wheel guards on all four wheels. Was this one used for orchards? It can be found here on Facebook Marketplace in Schuylkill Haven, PA, and the seller is asking $1,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Gary for the tip!
Without a bulletproof cab, we know this one isn’t meant for the FBI or a SWAT team, with those shielded tires. I’m kidding, of course, but I have never seen a full-sized tractor with covers or guards over the front wheels, let alone a small tractor. I’ve seen many tractors meant for orchards with covered rear wheels, but never in the front. Have any of you seen anything like this Mitsubishi diesel 4×4 tractor? Here’s one in action on YouTube with a mower attachment.
What an unusual industrial-looking tractor. Those covered wheels can be somewhat dangerous. My dad called them widomakers, because if you drive over a log or something, it can get caught in there and come around and clunk you on the head, and that’s it. I don’t have a clue why they’re covered, and I can’t find any similar tractor wheels covered like this. In any case, I’m sure they can be removed if the next owner doesn’t want them on there.
Mitsubishi made the MT180 series from 1984 through 1991, and buyers could choose from four configurations. You could get both 2WD and 4WD, and both drive systems came with either a geared transmission or a hydrostatic transmission drive. The throttle control is the long faded-blue lever just to the right of the steering wheel, and the one next to it (barely visible) is the hydrostatic transmission control. Here is another view of some of the controls, covered in pine needles. Here’s a partial close-up of the dash showing the tach and ignition.
This 1,455-pound l’il 4×4 tractor isn’t currently running, as it’s been sitting for a few years and has a dead battery. I’m assuming it’ll need more than a new battery at this point, but you never know. The engine is a Mitsubishi K3C, a 0.9-liter (54.9-cu.in.) liquid-cooled three-cylinder diesel with 18.5 horsepower and 38.3 lb-ft of torque. In the case of the HMD, being a hydrostatic transmission 4WD model, power is sent through the two-range infinite-gear transmission to all four wheels. This tractor really has a unique look with those shielded wheels. Why do you think they’re covered like that?
Orchard special?
With the little bush hog next to it, it was probably used to mow between blueberry or raspberry rows, the shields let the canes ride up and over the tires. $1500 if it runs, nothing if it doesn’t.
First time I seen one like this. And its SOLD!! Thats alot of torque in that engine. I would say no problem pulling stuff. I hope the new owner gets it going and also restores it . Those shields are different I would remove them. Good luck to the new owner. 🇺🇸🐻
I had to ask Google…… These tractors were primarily designed to work in flooded, deeply muddy rice fields. These oversized, deep-hanging extensions serve two specific purposes:
• Debris and Slurry Deflection: Moving through a flooded rice paddy or deep muck creates a tremendous amount of thick mud and water spray. These shields completely block the aggressive tire-sling, protecting the operator, the seat station, and any rear-mounted implements (like a rototiller) from being caked in heavy mud.
• Crop Protection: When navigating narrow rows, the smooth, flat outer walls of the deep fenders gently push aside tall or delicate plants, preventing the aggressive, churning tire treads from catching, wrapping, or tearing the crops.
Thank you, very interesting.
To be clear, in a tractor talk, it’s called “front-assist”, not 4 wheel drive. It’s a cute little thing, a shame it wasn’t covered, and that motor is horribly underpowered for any real work. It will spin forever, and probably adequate for small jobs. Jim will agree, in an agricultural setting, nothing worse than not having enough power. I never saw too many covered wheels, easily removed and certainly never heard the “widowmaker” story, possibly a regional dialect, any tractor is inherently dangerous. The “heat” is not for your hands, it’s for the glow plugs to start the motor, never saw that little “heat” grill thing, I wonder if it gets hot? One thing you never do, is use ether on a glow plug motor. Looks to have hydraulic lift too, but again, that motor wouldn’t plow much. Small tractors are incredibly handy, the diesel, meh, give me a gas job here, but someone got a great deal.