Tractors

Nothing says farm quite like the tractor. You really can't ask a person to create a mental image of what a farm looks like in their heads without them picturing a tractor of some sort, whether or not they know what tractors on the farm are really used for.

In fact, you probably can't find a farm for sale anywhere that doesn't include a picture of a tractor in the local region, Peace River ranches, and even Florida orchards, all tend to include a picture of this most famous of industrial farm vehicles in their announcement, regardless of the obviousness of the rest of the scene. Let's take a look at why tractors have become so intrinsically linked to the idea of the farm.

History of the tractor

The first forms of the tractor were found in favourable climactic conditions in North America. Not surprisingly, they were used to pull ploughs and operate various types of mechanical farm equipment. The use of a tractor meant the job went by a lot quicker, so farmers had time to perform other tasks or take up secondary jobs such as becoming a real estate agent.

These early tractors were largely powered by steam. The first diesel engine powered tractor was built in 1891, but surprisingly the idea did not catch on. It wasn't until the concept was marketed through the Twin City Traction Engine Company in 1911 that this design began to catch on at a mass level.

The early tractors were amongst the most reliable machines ever built. In fact, with a bit of help from a auto body shop to transform their appearances, many of these tractors would be indistinguishable from their modern counterparts. The three point hitch remains the only real addition to the overall design of the original tractor model.

Uses of tractors

One of the most remarkable things about the tractor is its versatility. Its size, weight, and leverage allows this machine to cope under almost any conditions; tractors simply don't get stuck. In addition, they can be used for virtually any task that needs to be performed on the farm, from harvesting to sowing. If you're in the country and happen to see a construction site putting up the latest accommodation area, odds are you will see a tractor at work. The backhoe is really just a tractor with a hoe on the back and accompanying controls.

Tractors and humanitarianism

The tractor is a major tool used in efforts to assist farmers in the poorest parts of the world increase their ability to support themselves and their families. The durability of these machines means that no matter how little they receive in the way of maintenance, they can still perform their tasks. This has been proven in areas from the dry regions of Mexico to the rain forests of the Congo.

When it comes to industrial vehicles used on the farm, the tractor will likely always be the first that comes to mind. For good reason, these machines have come to define farming in the modern age.