Tractors were created from basic farm equipment that farmers used to till their soil in the early 19th century. This handy farm vehicle was invented after the first traction engine was created around 1850. At the time, they were a much needed farm tool and helped farmers produce larger yields. Several tractor manufacturers have gained a reputation for quality in the industry. The top 4 are:
John Deere
In 1918, John Deere made the decision to extend his product line to include tractors. The company purchased the maker of the Waterloo Boy and subsequently tractors became their main product line.
During the 1960s, the company introduced the most powerful two-wheel drive tractor. Later, in the 1970s, the company created an integrated cab while the 80s produced 38 new tractors for consumer selection, which included increased fuel efficiency and greater maneuverability. The 1990s gave farmers a comfortable cab along with an electronic power device that would automatically activate during complicated field use.
In the 2000s, John Deere added the most fuel-efficient row crop tractor and included new technology benefits such as ActiveCommand Steering along with a Variable Transmission. John Deere's consistent approach to improvement has kept them a top choice for tractor owners.
International Harvester
The company's roots began in agricultural, construction and commercial equipment supplies. During 1902, a merger took place between McCormick Harvesting Machine and Deering Harvester in addition to three smaller farming firms to create International Harvester or IH.
In 1985, IH sold their farming equipment division and rebranded the company to Navistar International Corporation. The company's good years began in 1926, and by 1930 IH had constructed its 100,000th tractor named the Farmall. Their goal was to manufacture a tractor that could be used for multiple purposes making them the most popular brand during the 1940s and 50s. Unfortunately, IH struggled after adding multiple business lines that were unrelated to their farm beginning. However, IH is known for constructing a quality tractor for which collectors are constantly on the lookout.
Ford
Henry Ford & Son produced a tractor line named Fordson beginning in 1917 and later, in 1920, it united with the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford began experimenting with tractor construction out of automobile parts in the early part of the 20th century and by 1915 he had created the Model B. They continued to manufacture Fordson tractors until 1964.
Initial Fordson tractors suffered from several design problems including engine failure and overheating, but the vehicles were still a huge help to overwhelmed farmers, and the Ford Company found their place in the tractor market. They were powerful and could pull heavy items that normally took at least four mules to tow. Furthermore, they were able to work all day without a break giving farmers an opportunity for larger harvests.
Massey Ferguson
In 1847, Daniel Massey started the Newcastle Foundry and Machine Manufactory to produce farm equipment such as threshers and reapers. Later, the Massey family worked with steam engine builder Sawyer and created a line steam tractor. They were constructed in several different sizes with the 25 horsepower model selling well. However, in 1910 the company switched to oil engines when the company split into separate divisions.
Throughout its long history, Massey Ferguson created a large number of agricultural vehicles. The mass produced Massey Harris Ferguson TVO was a popular tractor that sold well in the UK, Ireland and the United States during the 1950s. Additionally, the company was known for its power and overall reliability making it a quality tractor for farmers to own.