The first-ever 1938 Minneapolis Moline UDLX, one luxury tractor with an enclosed cab.
Inside the cab of the rare Minneapolis Moline UDLX, a comfort tractor that even includes a radio, that box behind the steering wheel.
“If I owned your tractor,” I tell Dennis, “I would have to live in it.”
And that’s the truth. His 1938 Minneapolis Moline UDLX would fetch $140,000 – $160,000 at public auction, Dennis tells me.
Ah, yeah, that’s worth more than my house, I think.
But then Dennis’ Minneapolis Moline is only one of 150. And with serial number 310001X, it was the very first production comfort cab tractor ever built. That’s as in the first one to roll off the production line.
Dennis, who has owned his tractor for six years after buying it at an auction in Iowa, says Minneapolis Moline began manufacturing the UDLX in June 1938, but stopped production in December. No one was buying the tractors because of the $2,200 cost, he explains. A typical tractor of that size sold for $800 in 1938.
And farmers were a bit skeptical about needing the comfort of a cab and luxury features like a cigar lighter, sun visor, radio, seating for two and a dome light.
The 5-speed transmission with high range allows the tractor, which I think resembles a car more than a tractor, to travel up to 40 mph.
“Farm during the day, drive to town at night,” a sign on Dennis’ tractor reads.
Just imagine a bachelor farmer picking up his girl for a night out on the town in a Minneapolis Moline UDLX…
NOTE: I saw Dennis’ rare 1938 Minneapolis Moline UDLX at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. show, which ends on Sunday, September 6. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. at the show grounds just south of Dundas (Northfield) along Minnesota Highway 3. Watch for more photo blogs from this event.
Signage on the Minneapolis Moline UDLX.
© Copyright 2009 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
TENGO UN MINNEAPOLIS MOLINE UDLX.SOY DE ARGENTINA ESTADO IMPECABLE
Readers, since I don’t know Spanish, I’ve called upon my son to translate Dario’s message. He writes: “I have a Minneapolis Moline UDLX. I’m from Argentina. Immaculate condition.”
Dario, is your Minneapolis Moline UDLX for sale, or are you simply sharing that you have one?
Thank you go much for visiting Minnesota Prairie Roots. As a side note, my second daughter is currently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She loves your country.
Si, lo tengo en venta.Mi padre lo compro en el año 1.950.Vivo en la provincia de Buenos Aires.Existian 3 en la Argentina
English-speaking readers, here’s a translation of Dario’s comment: “Yes, I’m selling it./I have it for sale. My father bought it in 1950. I live in the Buenos Aires province. 3 (Minneapolis Moline UDLX tractors) existed in Argentina.”
Thanks, Dario, for reading Minnesota Prairie Roots.
What is the serial # of your udlx? I am a MM researcher. Also do you have any South American mm sales brochures or manuals? Thank you. Marty.
Marty, I just photographed this tractor and that was some time ago. Therefore I can’t answer your question about the serial number. And, nope, since I’m just the photographer, I don’t have any South American manuals. Good luck in your search.
El numero de serie de mi tractor es 310019,soy DARIO de Darregueira
Thank You Dario. Did you ever sell your UDLX? Do you know the serial Numbers of the other 2 in Argentine?
I love old farm tractors, and old quality machines, would love any information about such machinery.
Type “tractors” into the search engine on my blog and you’ll find other posts that will interest you.
Thanks for visiting Minnesota Prairie Roots.
Keystone Tractor Works in Colonial Heights , Va. has one of these rare tractors on display . They have over 200 beautifully restored tractors on display and the owner Mr. Keith Jones stated this one was by far the most rare and valuable in the entire collection .
Thanks for confirming what I learned about the Minneapolis Moline UDLX here in Minnesota. Sounds like Keystone Tractor Works would be an interesting place to visit.
My father in law and his brother have one her in Alberta Canada. It runs and they are currently in the process of restoring it. I was wondering if u could help me out in finding out where the dome light in the cab was mounted. They have the light but it was in the glove compartment when they bought it and cannot find any information as to where it was located.
I can’t help you, Dan. But perhaps a reader can. Readers, if you can answer Dan’s question, please respond here.
thank you I have a 1946 U
How wonderful that you own that 1946 tractor, Fred. I’m sure you cherish it.