Of course, not every automaker started with the automobile. For example, there were those who started with “tractor”. There were those who went into the automobile business like Lamborghini and walked around or those who used their power in the tractor like Porsche...
There were also those who "challenged the cars" with the tractors they produced...
Of course, “Where did the friend tractor come from?” There will be people asking about my condition and my memory by passing through it and jumping the page immediately... But I started this article by taking all these into consideration... Because there are many vehicles on the roads and fields now that they cannot pass as tractors. Serious tractor races are held in Russia and Eastern European countries, in India, the tractor is modified, and it attracts a lot of attention.
Why did I put it on the tractor? Actually, I didn't, so I'm trying to follow tractors like "everything with wheels on the road". But I also know that the automobile and the tractor are closely related subjects for some brands. This is what I want to tell you today. As a matter of fact, you know that Ferruccio Lamborghini was not born as a "car driver from the womb". Because the tractor manufacturer and “Ferrari customer” was a business person. The troubles caused by the car he bought, in return for the advice he gave to Enzo Ferrari to fix the problem, he said to him, "You go, deal with your tractor business. Don't get involved in the automobile business" getting answers like made him an automaker. Afterward, the cars he produced under his own name disturbed even Ferrari, and the brand was somehow formed until today, which is another matter.
There are, of course, countless such examples. My job is to pull out the "numbers" and tell them to you. Let's get started then...
THE OLDEST
In this regard, one of the most important examples of automobile manufacturers intending to produce tractors was undoubtedly Henry Ford and his Ford company. Ford, which started to produce "Model F" tractors under the "Fordson" brand in 1917, did this with the experience gained from the mass production of automobiles. The success of the Model F, the world's first light and mass-produced tractor led to the complete acquisition of Fordson. Introduced in 1939, the "9N", unlike the first examples (they had iron wheels), was equipped with rubber tires, hydraulics, and widespread service security. This company, which continued its adventure until 1984, later acquired “Sperry-Holland Tractors” and “Ford New Holland” emerged. It was then sold to Fiat in 1991 and the Ford name left the brand.
I think I went into a little too much detail, I'm accelerating right away... There was another US giant like Ford that saw an opportunity in this field: General Motors... It started by buying the "Samson Sieve-Grip Tractor" company in 1917. In fact, the first aim was to make and sell trucks and cars that could be used in harsh conditions. They even developed a 9-seater vehicle that can be used for cargo by removing the seats when necessary. However, this tool was not released. Instead, they turned to the tractor. Two prototypes were built. In 1919, the "Model M" and then the "Iron Horse" was introduced. The Chevrolet automobile engine was used, but it certainly couldn't keep up with Ford. GM lost $33 million from this venture and quit the business in 1923.
THEY DID ALSO
I have already described Ferruccio Lamborghini's initiative above. Mr. Lamborghini, who sold his tractor division to the company "SAME" in the 1970s, concentrated on the automobile business, which he entered for the sake of ambition.
Ferdinand Porsche, who we know as Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche cars, was a talented person who was interested in everything (just like me) besides cars. He even designed tanks and missiles on Hitler's orders. He also designed a tractor to produce under the Volkswagen brand. He produced prototypes in 1934. Putting this diesel-powered tractor project on the shelf, Porsche later in 1956, "Mannesmann AG", decided not to buy only diesel engines but to produce licensed tractors designed by Porsche. More than 125 thousand Porsche tractors were produced between 1956 and 1963. Even now, these tractors are found in the garages of collectors and even farmers. I should mention that it is also in Turkey.
In addition to these, I can count brands such as Fiat, Opel, Citroen, and Mitsubishi which are automobile manufacturers and produce tractors. Likewise, Mahindra comes to mind right now.
On the other hand, some tractor manufacturers were also producing attractive products for their vehicles to be used on roads such as automobiles. One of the most famous examples in the continental USA was undoubtedly the "Minneapolis Moline". Minneapolis Moline, one of the most powerful tractor manufacturers of the time, decided to enter the automobile market in 1938. But he did it as he knew how. “UDLX Comfortractor” aimed to combine tractor and automobile comfort and drive. The tractor, which had a fully enclosed, two-person cabin, had chrome bumpers, a heater, openable windows, and even a cigarette lighter. When the price of the tractor, which could speed 70 km/h, was expensive for that period, only 150 could be produced. However, the company produced a similar two-seater vehicle for the army. The 1943 model NTX, which is especially used for towing aircraft, is also called the "Industrial Jeep". There is also the “UDXL” produced the following year.
At that time, "Lanz" produced in Germany produced models that could be used as automobiles in a similar way. Even now, the Lanz Bulldog, which is of great value to collectors, draws attention with its unique engines and sounds. If you want to browse the internet and see.
Of course, I will mention the "Co-Op" tractors that are interesting to me here. The Agricultural Cooperatives Union, which was established in 1922 after the law that allowed farmers and cowboys to work together and establish cooperatives, sought ways to spread mechanical tools, especially tractors, in agriculture. He eventually signed an agreement with Parrett Tractor Company to produce tractors that fit the needs of farmers. Tractors using Chrysler engines and transmission systems became common and marketed under the "CO-OP" brand.
Yes, of course, I'm not into new models. Rest assured, there may have even been some I missed. But let me tell you, if you find these tractor racing videos, watch them. Because you will see with "amazement" that they are more enjoyable than many races...