The same vein as the attraction garnered by vintage cars, those who appreciate the special uniqueness of an antique tractor do so based on their historical rarity and importance. For these enthusiasts, a classic tractor from the mid-20th century will have a stronger appeal then a standard, mass-produced from tractor that you can find on almost any farm throughout the nation. Finding antique tractor parts for these old gems is also a unique and engaging pursuit.
The popularity of steam powered antique tractors in addition to those operated by internal combustion engines has increased over time. Many enthusiasts study and restore these old farm tractors in the same way in which car enthusiasts spend time on their antique cars. These tractors are a common display at various types of showcasing events.
Farm Tractor History
In the late 1800s, the steam engine powered a number of farm tractors throughout the United States. These early steam tractor models pooled threshing machines and plows and could link up to the thresher through the use of belts to power the unit. As essentially steam powered locomotives not operating on rails, they were referred to as traction engines. These large machines had big metal wheels with bin and boiler – very heavy machines to operate on soft ground, they were cumbersome in nature. Antique tractor parts can outfit these old-style tractors even today.
The introduction of the internal combustion engine drew many companies that were trying to build successful gasoline powered tractors. The first successful gasoline powered tractor was arguably invented by John Froelich 1892. A successful plow designer, John Deere, purchased Froelick’s Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company in his attempt to secure and reliable internal combustion tractor.
Mechanical Harvesters
The farm has always been the home of the tractor. The design of the reaper or harvester that cuts wheat like a sickle was successfully carried out by Cyrus McCormick in 1831. The unit was pulled by a horse. Later on a binder was invented that bound up the stalks into sheaves are bundles.
Threshing machines were designed to separate the stalks and husk from the grain. When the combine harvester was invented it carried out the threshing in the reaping process. Sometimes more than two dozen horses pulled the early combines. Before these combines became self-propelled, they were pulled by steam and gasoline tractors.
You may be able to find the antique tractor parts you need for the antique tractor(s) in your possession.