Agriculture developed gradually until the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution really took over. The history of tractors started in the early 20th century when steam engines on wheels were used to drive mechanical farm equipment on a belt. Before this, draft animals and farming tools were the only option and a labor-intensive one at that.

Soon, tractors became a replacement for both human effort and draft animals. Due to the mechanical complexity, risk of explosion, and high cost, tractors didn’t change farming practices overnight. Most farmers were skeptical, but they would soon be proven wrong. Several important technological developments were on the horizon. Diesel-powered tractors were one such innovation and offered better fuel efficiency, more power, and typically a longer engine life span. In 1918, solid rubber tires replaced the large metal wheels that were prone to damage from banging on dirt roads. Hydraulic systems made tractors more versatile as they could operate a variety of attachments, making tasks like plowing, tilling, and rock picking far more manageable. Another development that played a crucial role in modernizing the tractor is the power take-off which transfers power to various accessories like mowers, loaders, and balers. From 1920 to 1940, it was the Golden Age of Tractors. It was during this period that we began to see key manufacturers stepping up to the plate, including John Deere and Fordson, who were responsible for bringing the most iconic tractor models to life.

Now it’s safe to say that no one back then imagined how farming would change in the 21st century. The agricultural industry has continued to develop innovative technologies to improve farming operations. With GPS systems and data analytics that offer optimal precision in agriculture, new tractor technologies are laying the groundwork for the rise of smart farming.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of tractors and how they have changed farming, explore the large collection of antique tractors and farm machinery at the Big Horn County Museum. It may be hard to believe that these tractors were cutting edge in their heyday, but as we usher in a new era of farming, we can tip our hat to the innovations from iconic pioneers.