Calling it comfortable on-road may have been a stretch. Like the Model U on which it was based, the UDLX lacked any sort of front or rear suspension, leaving only the tires and seats to absorb the bumps and ruts of country roads. The cab was set low on the tractor’s chassis, so the transmission and rear axle cut into usable cab room. The transmission was not synchromesh, and even when operated in the road-only fifth gear, the engine produced more vibration and noise than automobiles of the day. Then there were the brakes – 16-inch drums on the rear wheels only – which weren’t exactly designed with the Comfortractor’s top speed and 6,400-pound weight in mind.
On the plus side, the UDLX was capable of reaching 40 MPH in fifth gear, making it suitable for use on public roads, and came equipped with an impressive array of features. All three windshield panes received wipers, and all tilted out to take in fresh air. For cold days, the cab had a heater, and the driver received a sun visor to block early morning or late afternoon glare. There was a rear-view mirror (with a built-in clock), full instrumentation and seating for two (or three, for particularly close families).
