Comfortractors

• Question by John McLucas on June 05, 1999 at 10:52:31:

Does anyone know how many Minneapolis-Moline model UDLX tractors are known to exist today? Here is what I know, corrections welcomed.
There were only 150 produced. The first 25 UDLXs were the Open Roadsters (a convertible.) The remaining 125 were the enclosed-cab Comfortractors (a hardtop.) They were produced in 1938, but it took dealers several years to sell them. The cab concept was way ahead of its time, so farmers did not receive this feature well. Many were purchased by municipalities in "cold" areas and used to plow snow off roads. We all know that municipal equipment is often "ragged out" and goes to the iron men for an early demise. Were any shipped overseas?
The serial numbers were: The first twenty-five: 310-001 thru 310-025 (Open Roadsters.) The next one hundred twenty-five: 310-501 thru 310-625 (enclosed-cab Comfortractors.) Why the break in serial numbers and were all produced in one run in 1938?

Counting the ones I have seen at shows, pictures in books, magazines or the internet, and for sale ads, I know of only eight of the original 150. John in Georgia

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Answer posted by Brian Rukes, The M-M Registry on June 05, 1999 at 20:10:25:
In Reply to: UDLX posted by John on June 05, 1999 at 10:52:31:

The first 25 UDLXs were the Open Roadsters. The remainder were the enclosed-cab Comfortractors.
Regarding the number of UDLXs which are still in existence, that is unclear. I only have a few listed in The M-M Registry, although I do know of a few others which have not been registered as of yet. I've heard estimates/guesses that at least two dozen UDLXs are still in existence; however, I cannot verify that as of now. I, too, am familiar with at least a half a dozen right off the top of my head, and I probably am aware of at least a dozen if I really sit down and look through everything I have.
According to serial numbers, all UDLXs were 1938 model tractors. However, it did take quite a while for all of them to sell. I remember seeing an ad from WWII in which M-M was still trying to sell the UDLX.
I am unaware of any M-M shipping records, thus I cannot be certain as to whether or not any were shipped overseas. However, I do doubt that many (if any) of them were.
I hope this helps.
Respectfully,
Brian Rukes
The M-M Registry
To find out more about the UDLX, I recommend that you purchase the new M-M related book that I am working on for Motorbooks (available next year). The UDLX is a major feature of that book. To find out more about the book, please visit the link given.

UDLX Answer posted by Bill Ellis In Reply to: UDLX posted by John on June 05, 1999.
John,
Over 80 exist, according to two lists kept by enthusiasts. The tractors on the lists vary from mint to just a transmission case w/plate. Mexico isn't overseas, but at least one was exported there. The break in the S/N may be due to M-M having two sources of the cabs. They differ slightly in very minor details. I have never noticed if the first 25 cabs are identical. Not that much of a UDLX fan, I guess. As M-M tractors go, the UDLX is fairly common, both in quantity built and number extant. M-M built tractors in production quantities of 6! The list of 'rare' M-M (150 or less built, e.g.) is long as your arm. Number of UDLX built as 'OPEN' is arguable. Several guess about half a dozen. Can't say. As "a historical icon in farm tractor evolution" it was a dead end — a complete and utter commercial failure. M-M was still trying to sell them as late as 1945