Century of Farmall Tractors: Evolution from 1920s Origins to Modern-Day Excellence

Here is a brief history of Farmall tractors, tracing their humble beginnings in the early 1920s to their current status under the esteemed Case IH brand. The story commences in 1919 when Bert Benjamin faced a monumental challenge.

Faced with the rising dominance of Henry Ford's Fordson, Cyrus and Harold McCormick sought a new tractor to counter the competition. International Harvester, leading the tractor market, had its triple crown of horsepower, including Titan 10-20, International 8-16, and McCormick 15-30. However, Ford's introduction of the affordable Fordson in 1918 swiftly claimed 76% of the market within five years.

As the superintendent of IH's experimental division, Benjamin recognized the need for a game-changing tractor.  A combined tractor truck with a triple power plan, light on its feet, yet towering in the field to clear crops being cultivated.

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Introduction of Farmall

After much deliberation, the revolutionary combination machine, named Farmall, was launched in 1923, with production commencing in 1924. Priced at $825, it was strategically positioned to compete against the Fordson. Sales soared from 838 in the first year to 9,502 in 1927, culminating in the 100,000th Farmall leaving the Farmall Works in 1930.

The Farmall, later known as the Regular, became the first successful multipurpose tractor, offering affordability and extensive dealership support. Even during the Great Depression, sales persisted. Engineers expanded the line, introducing models like the F-30, F-20, and F-12 in the early 1930s.

Stylized Evolution

In 1935, a new era dawned for Farmalls with advanced engineering and stylized looks, courtesy of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. The famed Farmall Letter Series tractors, including models A, B, and the long-standing Cub, emerged in 1939, captivating the market with their unique "Culti-Vision" design.

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Powerful Models - H and M

Tractor models like  H and M were powerful and loaded with options. The Letter Series achieved unprecedented success, with 325,000 Model Hs dominating fields from 1939 to 1952. Continuous improvements led to the introduction of "super" models.

1955 witnessed a rapid pace of model replacements, transitioning from the Letter Series to the 100 Series, and subsequently the 130, 230, 350, and 450. In 1958, the Farmall 460, 560, and 660 hit the market, offering not just more power but improved hydraulics, catering to farmers' evolving needs.

The Farmall legacy continued evolving. In 1963, the Farmall 100 series expanded with models 706 and 806, breaching the 100 hp mark in 1965 with the 1206. Innovations like hydrostatic drive transmission in 1968 and the introduction of a six-cylinder engine in 1971 demonstrated International Harvester's commitment to pushing boundaries.

Post-1973, facing declining tractor sales, International Harvester sought a fresh start. The Farmall brand saw a revival in 2004 under Case IH, marking the beginning of a new era. Today, the Farmall product line boasts 24 models in 10 series, ranging from 35 to 104 hp.

Farmall 100th Celebration 

To commemorate the Farmall name's 100th anniversary, Case IH recently introduced the Model 90N and Model 120N, symbolizing a century of innovation, resilience, and excellence in the world of tractors.

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