The Farm Tractor: 100 Years of North American Tractors

by Ralph W. Sanders, Bob Feller (Foreword)

Here is the biggest, best, and most complete history of classic farm tractors. All North American models make their appearance--from John Deere and Farmall to fascinating "orphans" like the Steel Mule, from the late 1800s steamers through the high-powered workhorses of the 1970s.

In addition to hundreds of high-detail large-format photography of tractors and equipment (see below for samples), the volume includes 100 color and black-and-white archival photos, advertising posters, and brochures. The result is an unparalleled look at the icon of American agriculture.

Chapter 1: Muscles to Motors
Chapter 2: Allis-Chalmers
Chapter 3: J.I. Case
Chapter 4: Caterpillar
Chapter 5: John Deere
Chapter 6: Ford
Chapter 7: International Harvester
Chapter 8: Massey-Ferguson
Chapter 9: Minneapolis-Moline
Chapter 10: Oliver Corporation
Chapter 11: Orphans and Others

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Aaron Kleinheksel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great coffee-table book for anyone interested in the development of (primarily) gas tractors in America up to the early 1960's. It spends very little time on steam. The book is organized by manufacturer (IH is one chapter, John Deere another, etc.). The book's strength lies in the photography. The author has spent many years photographing tractors in their natural environment, and it shows. It is like stepping back in time. The text is primarily a chronicle of the ever-increasing power of the machines, with hp ratings (belt and drawbar, and later PTO) taking center stage. This is interesting to hard-core collectors, but of little narrative use. Not a criticism, just is what it is. I would have enjoyed more discussion on the relative merits of the different engine and transmission configurations and why manufacturers went in the directions they did, but that was apparently outside the scope of this book.

My biggest complaint with this book, and what cost it a star, is that the text and the photographs do not coincide, so the reader must constantly page forward or backward to find the tractors being discussed in the text. It is aggravating.

Overall a great book on tractors, and I have no problem recommending it.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've ever had the pleasure of reading about the entire genre of antique tractors and their legacy. There are so many awesome pictures in the book, you need to go through it many times just to get the entire concept that the author gives us. A lot of information, but not over whelming to the average reader. A great read!