New Holland Tractors: A Brief History
If you are a farmer or an agriculture enthusiast, chances are that you have heard of the New Holland brand of tractors. Known for their durability, reliability, and efficiency, New Holland tractors are some of the most popular in the world. But where did these tractors originate? Let's take a look at the history of New Holland tractors.
The Birth of New Holland
New Holland was founded in 1895 in New Holland, Pennsylvania, by a man named Abe Zimmerman. Originally called the New Holland Machine Company, the business consisted of a small repair shop. Zimmerman had a knack for fixing equipment and soon branched out, creating his own designs for farming machinery.
One of the company's early successes was the New Holland baler, which was used to compress hay into tight bundles for easy transportation and storage. This invention quickly gained popularity, and the New Holland Machine Company began to grow.
The First New Holland Tractor
Although New Holland had been making farm equipment for many years, they did not produce their first tractor until 1917. This first tractor was the Model Five, a small tractor that was perfect for the average family farm.
The Model Five was powered by a four-cylinder engine and could produce up to 20 horsepower. It was a versatile machine that could be used for plowing, cultivating, and even for pulling a small trailer.
New Holland's Modern Era
Over the years, New Holland has continued to innovate and expand its line of tractors. In 1947, the company introduced the Model 77, which was the first tractor to feature a live power take-off (PTO). This allowed farmers to use their tractors to power additional equipment, like hay balers and corn pickers.
In the 1960s and 70s, New Holland began to expand its production globally. They established a plant in Belgium, which allowed them to tap into the European market. In the 1980s, the company was acquired by the Ford Motor Company, which further increased its resources and capabilities.
New Holland Today
Today, New Holland is owned by CNH Global, which is a subsidiary of the Italian company Fiat Industrial. New Holland tractors are found all over the world, and the company has continued to innovate and improve its products. They have developed specialized tractors for various farming needs, including orchard tractors and high-horsepower tractors for large-scale farming operations.
New Holland's commitment to quality and innovation has made them one of the top tractor manufacturers in the world. They continue to be a trusted name in agriculture and are sure to remain so into the future.
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