The History and Evolution of Tractors

By Michael Floren (mikefloren@gmail.com)

A tractor is a type of vehicle that is particularly constructed to efficiently deliver a tractive effort at a slow speed. Tractors are special vehicles which are aimed to provide the hauling of trailers and other types of machineries which are used for agricultural and construction purposes. Tractors are also usually associated with farm machines and general farm use.

There are actually many variations of tractors in different countries. For example, in Britain, Australia, Spain, India, Ireland, and Poland the tractor is referred to as farm tractor. In North America it is referred to as a road tractor.

Tractors are usually used for farm purposes. Farm tractors are utilized for pulling or pushing machines and trailers for tilling, plowing, harrowing, planting, disking and other tasks. The first farm tractor originated in Iowa in the early 1900s and was made by the company named Hart-Parr. The patent was then sold to White Tractor.

The first tractors were however powered by portable steam engines that were tapped to steer mechanical farm machinery using a flexible belt. These steam powered engines were in us until the onset of the 20th century, when they were replaced by more reliable internal combustion engines.

The first recorded sale of a tractor was in 1897. It was only in 1902 when the first successful design was commercially sold. Saundersons of Bedford went into the market to introduce a four-wheel tractor in 1908, becoming the biggest manufacturer of tractors outside of the United States.

Although they were quite unpopular in their early days these gasoline-powered vehicles started to gain attention when they turned smaller and much inexpensive. In 1917, Henry Ford came up with the Fordson, recognizes as the first mass produced type of tractor. By the 1920 Fordson had gotten a significant share of the US tractor market. It was also during this time when gas-powered engine had become a staple among tractors.

Usually a classic farm tractor is simply an open vehicle complemented by two large driving wheels with an axle below. The axle is slightly behind a seat, while the engine is in front of the operator. Two steerable wheels are placed below the engine compartment. Through the years this design has remained unchanged, although enclosed cabs are now fitted in most advanced models to ensure the comfort and safety of the driver.

The early designs of the tractor also had the plows and other equipment linked through a draw bar, or through a proprietary connecting system. This was even before Ferguson patented the three-point hitch. Just recently the patent of Bobcat’s front loader connection lapsed. Now compact tractors are being outfitted with easy to connect attachments for front-end loaders.