The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-06-20

Manufacture Of tractors for agricul-
tural use has grown greatly I'M com
| pnratlyely few years, but big field Is
still open to manufacturers in the
small farmers business, which can be
gained only by the introduction Of all
| purpose tractors that can be used eco
| n0mically on farms OF under 100 till
able acres.
| Prior to 1905 practically all power
| blowing was done by steam. If there
| was any machine In use at that time
| employing an Internal combustion en-
| gine as Its source Of power, the case
/ apparently has never become a matter
Of record. Steam blowing has been
| In vogue for a number of years, espe-
cially In regions such as the Dakotas,
Montana, and the Canadian provinces
Of the Northwest Here were found
4 bonanza farms consisting of thousands
OF acres, one crop of wheat sometimes
paying for the entire farm. These
large tracts, stretching away for miles
in level and unbroken plain, offered
conditions which were suitable for
these mammoth steam outfits weighing
many tons.
Several factors had a bearing on the
elimination Of steam as a source Of
power for blowing and the substitu
tion OF the nternal-combustion en-
CINE.
The fuel was bulky for the power
transmitted, and the storage space on
the engine was small. Several men
were required. The steam engine as
then constructed could not stand the
constant strain and rough usage neces-
sary In blowing. 1t was necessary to
spend considerable time in care and re-
pair. just as is required by the rail-
road locomotive after five or six
hour run.
How Use Of Gas Engine Began.
There was demand by operators
for machine which would do away
with these disadvantages. Interest
was shown by various manufacturers
and their attention was directed to-
ward the development of machine
using the internal combustion engine.
Apparently 1905 was the first year
that gas tractor advertised as. a
source of power was placed on
the market. This machine employed
double-cyllnder engine. using gaso-
line for power and OIL for cooling. 1t
had rating OF % nominal and 40
actual brake horsepower and was
capable OF pulling six to eight 12-inch
plows, depending on the soil. The
weight was practically the same as
that of the steam engine, about nine
and one-half tons. While operators
were not satisfied with the steam tract
ors ON the market, there was then
considerable prejudice against the gas
tractor. so that machines were built
which looked as much like a steam
engine as possible. Perhaps this fact,
to some extent, tended to overcome the
prejudice and make for the popularity
Of the outfit,
by 1908 so much interest was mani
fest throughout the Northwest in the
gas tractor that it was decided to hold
motor competition In connection with
the Industrial exhibition at Winnipeg,
Canada. During the week of July 10
IL. 1908, this contest was held, the
first of its kind on the American con
tinent Machines were exhibited by
I'VE companies; two other companies
entered but withdrew The rules of
the contest limited the weight to seven
and one-half tons to keep out steam
rigs. This rule barred one gas
tractor, as 1t weighed nine and one
half tons.
Early Tests Unsatisfactory.
The tests upon which final award
was based consisted of hauling, plow-
ing and manipulation. Some Of the
soil conditions were not ideal, and a
bad impression was given In the haul
Ing tests. The barred machine put
on a private demonstration aud made
an excellent showing. using Kerosene,
except to warm up the motor at the
beginning. The significance of this
contest was that the weak points
were shown and that II started the
development OF practical motors for
small farms.
In 1909 similar test was held at
Winnipeg and six companies demon
strated machines. The contest was
divided into four classes; (al Internal
combustion 20 horsepower and under,
tb) 20-30 horsepower, (c) over 80
horsepower. and td) steam engines
This contest created much interest il
manufacturing circles. and many man
ufacturers were present TO obtain use
Sul information, which showed that
they were alive to the possibilities at.
tending the development OF success
full tractor.
To Winnipeg must 90 the honor oil
starting an Idea which has done s
great deal to develop the tractor In
dustry rapidly. These tests We're Tbs
forerunners Of others In various sec
lions Of the United States and Canads