We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the History of the Farmall Tractor?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,926
Share

The Farmall tractor was a dependable mainstay on American farms throughout the middle of the 20th century. Although Farmalls are no longer produced, fans of antique and vintage tractors have preserved numerous examples of Farmall tractor models in all their glory, and these tractors can be seen at parades, agricultural events, and tractor shows, usually with proud owners who are happy to take people for a spin around the block.

These tractors were developed by the International Harvest Company, a manufacturer of agricultural products which emerged in 1902 as the result of a merge of several companies. The company's first foray into the world of tractors occurred 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 the Farmall Regular, was released in 1924 and it proved to be a big hit.

The company was initially hesitant about the outlook for the Farmall tractor, fearing that it wouldn't be a big success. Earlier attempts at breaking into the tractor market had been expensive and troublesome, and while the Farmall design was innovative, the company feared that it wouldn't be readily adopted. As a result, Farmalls were first released in Texas only, with production later expanding in 1926 as demand for the new design's popularity exploded.

These tractors became so famous that International Harvester adopted “Farmall” to refer to its entire tractor line, capitalizing on brand recognition. The design was innovative because it allowed people to use the tractor with row crops, mechanizing processes which had formerly been done by hand or with a plow. This all purpose tractor quickly expanded into a line of tractors for various applications known as the “Letter Series” and released in 1939. From the A to the MD, the Farmall tractor letter series had a tractor for everyone, with a focus on small farms and affordability.

In 1952, the Letter Series turned 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 reorganizing effort, and in 1986, International Harvester was renamed the Navistar International Corporation, consigning the Farmall and International Harvester to the history books.

Working models of vintage Farmall tractors can be seen on some small farms, illustrating the durability of the design. Farmers also have a ready supply of replacement parts to draw upon, thanks to the profusion of Farmall models which were produced.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon37953 — On Jul 22, 2009

the farmall h and m were a tractor for its day. The only thing my dad used to do was go to the dealer with a full coffee cup and put on the hood. rev it to 12-13 oo rpm and if the cup fell off he would not buy it, but if it stayed it was a good one.. same with the clutch, if the wheels dished out would vibrate, it was poor workmanship, if they did not it was good workmanship. that way he always got one who was meticulous on the assembly line, and they lasted a long time!!!

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-the-history-of-the-farmall-tractor.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.