There have been many advancements and changes in agriculture during the last three hundred years. This has resulted in the farmer's being able to produce better quality and quantity. Along with that, the efficiency of farming has also changed dramatically.
The modern-day farmer now has the ability to feed dozens of people each year. Because of this, most of society now lives in urban areas rather than on the farm. These gains in productivity have risen from numerous discoveries and technological advancements. However, the perfection of the internal combustion engine and the subsequent development of the modern day tractor have had the greatest impact on farming throughout the world.
The first tractors were steam-driven giants that could do the work of several horses. Due to their size, weight and lack of maneuverability, they often were used as a stationary power source, heavy belts connecting the tractor to a piece of equipment to provide power. They proved to be valuable to the farmer, and when the internal combustion engine was perfected, the next generation of tractors developed.
These tractors, operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, could be made smaller, lighter and maneuverable while producing more horsepower than their steam predecessors. This allowed the farmer to do with a tractor all the tasks that could be accomplished with a horse or oxen. However, the tractor was still used mostly for pulling equipment and still used belts for transferring power. Further development and refinements led to what is now the modern tractor. The modern tractor is as sophisticated as the modern car. It has rubber tires rather than heavy steel wheels. This has improved operator comfort and tractor efficiency. The belts have been replaced by power take-offs (PTO) for propelling equipment attached to the tractor. Finally, the development of the three-point hitch has allowed the farmer a easy way to lift equipment. As a result, the tractor can do a wide variety of tasks useful to the farmer at once.
Image 1: 1949 Massey-Harris Pony driven by proud owner Doug Loblaw of Abbotsford, BC
 |
Go To Page: 1
