Fordson, Massey-Ferguson, McCormick, John Deere…just some of the famous names when it comes to the world of tractors. Even the likes of Lamborghini make tractors! Nice to see a bunch of them on display together.

In the mid-1800’s, portable engine development led to a number of engineers trying to produce a self-propelled model. The first proper traction engine was developed in 1859 by British engineer Thomas Aveling. The first tractors were steam-powered plowing engines, although they were not particularly suited to wet UK weather conditions and made them less economical than teams of horses.

However, particularly in the USA,  steam-powered agricultural engines remained in use well into the 20th century until internal combustion engines became more reliable.  In 1917, Henry Ford introduced the Fordson, a very popular mass-produced tractor as ‘petrol power’ took over and became acceptable.