Tractors Before They Were Tractors

Before the late 1800’s farmers either had a plethora of people and farm hands to maintain the ranch and complete all the chores the day provided, or they had animals and people to do the work. Yet with a growing nation and the sweeping reform of the industrial revolution farmers needed away to produce more while spending less. It wasn’t until around 1860’s that tractors began to show up in what would become a modern ranch in todays times. Yet back then the tractors didn't quite perform all the wonderful things a modern tractor would. THese tractors were not even internal combustion engine. the original “tractor’s” (not yet called that) looked like mini locomotives with wheels. There sole purpose was to drag logs or heavy loads to destinations that would have been previously more difficult. The Tractors later would become more agricultural when people began to drag plows behind them. As time went on into the late 19th century and 20th century the tractor would be seen for its potential. through slow developments such as the gasoline engine and better transmission the tractor would look more like the machinery we know. Due to this simple invention farms would be drastically changed. The productivity of men and this machine would change the land.

Sources:http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/tractors.htm