Massey Ferguson tractors are well-known in the agricultural industry for their reliability and efficiency. They are used by farmers all over the world for crop cultivation, plowing, and other activities. However, not many people know who created these tractors. In this article, we will explore the history of Massey Ferguson tractors and the people behind their development.
The Early Years of Massey Ferguson
Massey Ferguson was founded in 1953 as a result of a merger between two successful agricultural companies: Massey-Harris and Ferguson. Massey-Harris had a long history of producing farming equipment, including tractors, while Ferguson was known for their hydraulic systems. The merger was successful and led to the creation of Massey Ferguson tractors.
The first Massey Ferguson tractor was the Ferguson TE-20, which was designed by Harry Ferguson and produced in 1946. It was a revolutionary tractor as it featured a three-point hitch, which allowed farmers to easily attach and detach implements. The tractor was also equipped with a hydraulic system designed by Ferguson. This innovative system made it easy for farmers to control the height of the equipment they were using.
Harry Ferguson
Harry Ferguson was instrumental in the development of the Ferguson TE-20 and in the creation of Massey Ferguson tractors. He was a mechanical engineer who had a passion for farming. Ferguson invented the three-point hitch, which is now an industry standard used on most tractors. He also designed the hydraulic system that was used on the TE-20.
Ferguson was a successful entrepreneur who founded the Ferguson Company in 1933. He partnered with David Brown, who was the owner of a tractor-manufacturing company. They developed the Ferguson-Brown tractor, which was the forerunner to the Ferguson TE-20. Ferguson was also a keen aviator and in 1933 he set a world record for the fastest flight from London to Cape Town.
The Massey Family
The Massey family has a long history in the agricultural industry. The company was originally founded as the Newcastle Foundry and Machine Manufactory in 1847 by Daniel Massey. The company produced a wide range of equipment, including threshing machines and reapers. Massey's sons, Hart and Walter, took over the company in 1884 and renamed it the Massey Manufacturing Co.
The Massey family continued to run the company until 1891 when they sold it to investors. However, the family remained involved in the industry and in 1901, Daniel's grandson, Charles Hart Massey, founded the Massey-Harris company. The company merged with Ferguson in 1953 to create Massey Ferguson.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Massey Ferguson tractors are the result of a merger between two successful agricultural companies. The Ferguson TE-20, which was designed by Harry Ferguson, was the forerunner to Massey Ferguson tractors. The Massey family has a long history in the industry and was involved in the creation of the Massey Ferguson company. Today, Massey Ferguson tractors are used all over the world by farmers who rely on their reliability and efficiency.