Marx 1930 "climbing Tractor"

Marx 1930 Climbing Tractor:

The following information was taken from the Greenberg’s Guide to Marx Toys Vol#2.

            Climbing Tractor with Detachable Plow: 1930. In 1930 this tractor, advertised in the  Montgomery Ward catalog as being able to climb over obstacles, is listed for $1.49 and is described as “Constructed on the same mechanical principals as the steel tanks used during the war. Tractor will climb almost anything that’s not at a complete right angle with the floor….All metal parts are aluminum except the driver at the wheel. Stop and Start lever…..about 7-1/2” wide and 6” high over drivers head. Chains run over wheels are of heavy black rubber with suction cups that hold tractor to its course in steep ascents.” The driver wears a wide-brimmed hat. 

            Marx made many variations of their famous “Tractor” through out the life of the company. The tractor pictured here is believed to be the same “1930 Climbing tractor” as described by the box. The all metal frame is consistent with the Greenberg’s guide description and the highly green and black lithographed box does not mention that is comes with a front end detachable plow, but this version has been seen previously. It is worth noting the treads have been replaced with the later and more common type that became a standard on all tracked vehicles in the mid to late 1930’s for Marx.