c. 1916-1923 Moline Universal Model C Tractor

 This tractor (serial #6357) was made by the Moline Plow Company of Moline, Illinois. Wanting to expand their product lines, Moline purchased the Universal Tractor Company of Columbus, Ohio, in 1915. By 1916, Moline began making the Universal Model C, adding the Model D the following year. Moline produced both of these Universal Models until 1923.
 The Universal's design was unique at the time it was made. Instead of pulling a plow, planter, or other implement by a hitch so that it trailed behind the tractor, the Universal pulled the implement behind its engine so that the farmer could sit in either a detachable tractor seat above the implement or in the implement's seat to steer. In the case of this Model C, the tractor has a two-gang plow attached to it, underneath a detachable seat.

 As you walk around Stuhr Museum's exhibit, you will see several items made by the Moline Plow Company, including two Universal tractors, two Henney buggies, a riding disc cultivator, and what is probably a Moline walking tongueless cultivator.