The F-30 was a modernization of the earlier Farmall Regular, with the capabilities of the International Harvester 15-30.

It had improved narrow front wheels and a four-cylinder overhead valve engine with 33 horsepower (25 kW), feeding a four-gear transmission.

The first tractors were delivered with steel wheels, with pneumatic tires being offered in 1933.

Beginning in 1936 the F-30 was painted bright red, to increase visibility; this quickly became a trademark of the Farmall line.

The standard tractor was meant for work not involving row crops, and had wide front wheels, a lower profile, and smaller rear wheels.