history of tractors

Since it's part of the name here, I thought it would be fun to share a little bit about the history of tractors and their role in farming today. This may seem like a silly topic for an article, but really how much do you actually know about tractors? 

Early tractor development was driven by the invention of the first portable steam engine in 1849. However, more practical solutions were readily needed to present efficient farming. Internal combustion engines were then produced in the early 1900's which introduced gasoline powered tractors. These engines "paved the way for further advancements in tractor design". 

The time period of 1920 -1940 was referred to as "The Golden Age" of tractors. Fordson Tractors and John Deere manufacturers played a huge role throughout this era. The Fordson Model F was established in 1917 which was the first mass-prodiced tractor. Then, John Deere invented the John Deere Model D Tractor in 1923. These companies recognized how successful their innovations could be and the lasting impact they would have on agriculture. 

Moving on to the 1950s - 1980s, diesel-powered tractors came about. Longer life and lesser fuel use were advantages over the gasoline powered. Hydraulic systems and powered take-offs extended the task range and capability of tractors. 

Smart farming is the next development area, ranging from the 1990's to the present day. "In recent decades, the agricultural industry has undergone a digital revolution" which "...optimize farming processes". Practices like GPS technology allow for the "emergence of precision agriculture".  Accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability are at an all time high and are continuing to grow. The history of tractors is so important because it highlights how machinery has grown with humans overtime. 

“A Timeline of Tractors.” Resources-Light, www.crestcapital.com/tax/timeline_of_tractors#:~:text=The%20major%20milestones%20in%20the%20Timeline%20of%20Tractors%20include%20the,the%20adoption%20of%20diesel%2Dpowered. Accessed 07 Dec. 2023.