A Brief History of the Tractor

The versatile tractor is the single most recognizable symbol of modern agriculture. For well over a century they have been the workhorse of farmers around the world, filling many roles on and off the field. Today, modern farmers depend on these machines more than ever for their livelihood. These powerful machines are more than up to the task though, and continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of their owners.

History

The first agricultural tractors appeared in the early 1800s and by the 1850s the steam powered behemoths began to take on the classic form of tractors that has continued to this day. Tractors powered by steam gradually fell out of favor, however, and were replaced with newer models that utilized internal combustion engines in the early 1900s, which were smaller and more affordable for the average farmer, not to mention more reliable and less dangerous. As a result, tractor service in fields increased, sales soared and this remarkable machine soon became a mainstay of the modern farm.

Designs

The modern tractor takes on various forms depending on the conditions in which it will be used and the role it is meant to fill. In general these designs include:

Two-wheel drive
Two-wheel drive with front wheel assist
Four-wheel drive
Track tractor
The classic tractor typically employs the two-wheel drive or two-wheel drive with front wheel assist design and has changed little over the years, although newer models tend to be enclosed as opposed to the open air cab of the past. Modern tractors, however, are far more likely to employ the four-wheel drive design. Track tractors have evolved as well and now typically utilize an articulated or non-articulated multi-track design for better maneuverability.

Applications

The tractor has evolved over the last century and a half to fill many roles and as a result modern versions are truly indispensible machines. Early on, tractors primarily operated by towing implements behind or alongside such as plows and other tilling equipment. While the drawbar system allowed for implements to be quickly detached, freeing the tractor to be used elsewhere, they did pose a rollover risk and fell out of use in favor of modern three-point hitches and quick hitches. The advantage of the modern three-point hitch is that it allows a single person to quickly attach and detach implements depending on the application needed via the use of hydraulics. Modern tractors also feature power take-off systems which allow the engine to supply power to other stationary or towed machinery.