IIRC the official measurement is 5 squares per inch.
Frankly, I don't think it was intended to go so far as, "if it can pass through the mesh, it can pass through the radiator," for multiple reasons... Foremost of which is that big stuff can still pass through the holes end-on, and secondarily because the fins on the radiator are much much finer than the mesh. There's a lot that will pass through the mesh but not the radiator.
IMHO, the mesh is mostly for looks, as the tractors look "unfinished" with big gaping holes in the grill work. Later Cubs use expanded metal with holes you can stick your finger through... About the only thing that would get caught by such a mesh is a small tree!
I would conclude that the previous owner added the window screen because he was having issues with the radiator plugging up with crud. Window screen will filter out most everything that would stick in the radiator, but it plugs up quickly in dusty conditions...
You're doing the right thing cleaning it out as necessary. If you're running in really dusty conditions a lot, it's probably a good idea to leave it. Personally I don't like the look.
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