The Farmall tractor, developed by International Harvest Company, was a successful all-purpose tractor that mechanized processes previously done by hand. The line expanded into the Letter Series and later the Super and Number Series. Although no longer produced, vintage models can be seen at events and on small farms.
The Farmall tractor was a reliable mainstay on American farms throughout the mid-20th century. Although Farmalls are no longer produced, antique and vintage tractor enthusiasts have preserved numerous examples of Farmall tractor models in all their glory, and these tractors can be seen at parades, farming events and tractor shows, usually with proud owners who are happy to take people for rides around the block.
These tractors were developed by the International Harvest Company, an agricultural products manufacturer that emerged in 1902 as a result of the merger of several companies. The company’s first foray into the tractor world came in response to early tractors produced by several rivals, including the John Deere Company and the Ford Motor Company. International Harvester’s Farmall, later renamed Farmall Regular, was published in 1924 and proved to be a great success.
The company was initially hesitant about the prospects for the Farmall tractor, fearing it would not be a great success. Early attempts to break into the tractor market had been costly and troublesome, and while the Farmall design was innovative, the company feared it would not be readily adopted. As a result, Farmalls were first released only in Texas, with production later expanding in 1926 as demand for the new design’s popularity exploded.
These tractors have become so popular that International Harvester has adopted ‘Farmall’ to refer to the entire line of tractors, capitalizing on brand recognition. The design was innovative because it allowed the tractor to be used with row crops, mechanizing processes that were previously done by hand or with the plough. This all-purpose tractor quickly expanded into a line of multi-purpose tractors known as the “Letter Series” and released in 1939. From A through MD, the Farmall tractor series had a tractor for everyone, with a focus on small farms and convenience.
In 1952, the Letter Series morphed into the Super Series, morphing again into the Number Series in 1955. By 1973, International Harvester had dropped the Farmall name, although Farmall tractor nameplates were affixed to some 1974 and 1975 tractors. In 1985 , the company dropped its agricultural division altogether as part of a reorganization effort, and in 1986, International Harvester was renamed Navistar International Corporation, consigning Farmall and International Harvester to the history books.
Working models of vintage Farmall tractors can be seen on some small farms, demonstrating the durability of the design. Farmers also have a ready supply of spare parts to draw on, thanks to the profusion of Farmall models that have been produced.
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