M-E became a major manufacturer in the late 1940's with models ranging from 3hp to 10hp. In the few years that they were in business, they used numerous model numbers but they followed a pattern. A model letter then a number that was the width of the miller, then 'C' for Clinton, 'W' for Wisconsin and 'O' for Onan then a number that was close to the horse power rating of the engine. Example B-24-W6, Model B, 24" Miller and a Wisconsin 6HP engine.
B16-W4-1/2 & B24-W7 Series
Like Ariens, Wisconsin engines were the engine of choice on most models.
M-E also made tractor hitch drawn units M-36 was a motorized unit. The motorized was advertised as available from 36"-60". The W-36 was powered by the tractor PTO. These two units had an integrated hydraulic system.
The F.F.-36 was made for the Ford-Ferguson using its PTO and hydraulic system. It was bolted to the tractor and was raised and lowered by chains attached to the 3-point hitch arms.
M-E used flat flat steel bolo-tines instead of spring tines.
The EC12-C2 model was introduced around 1951. No attachments were offered.
M-E Introduced the front tine Mustang model M16 powered by a Clinton model 800 2-1/2hp engine in 1952, about a year before Bolens purchased M-E. Price was $188 FOB Wilwaukee. In 1960 the Bolens started using the name Mustang as a brand name instead of just the model name. Bolens models engines ranged from a Lauson H35 3.5hp horizontal shaft engine, B&S 81312 3hp engine, Lauson V25
2.5hp vertical shaft engine, Kohler K161 7hp and a Kohler K91 4hp Briggs model number is stamped in the blower housing cover or on a data tag riveted to it. See
Briggs & Stratton for information.
In a 1951 Parts Price List and Instruction Manual for the B12-C3, B16-W4-1/2, and B24-W6 models, marked as Form 51-P-18, M-E was a 'Subsidiary of Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation' or FMC, the name Bolens was not mention. In 1954 M-E was acquired by Bolens Products Division of FMC.
When Bolens started producing the tillers, the 'B' models were relabeled 'BA', this was reflected in 1955 advertising.
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