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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 Durham region, Peace River
ranches, and even Florida orchards for sale 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 Parry Sound 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 Troncones 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.
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