History & Background

Ancient Romans first used heavy machinery. The pile driver was invented around 1500. Until the 19th century and into the early 20th century, heavy machines were drawn under human or animal power. The Industrial Revolution contributed to evolved machinery, with the first tractors appearing in the late 19th century. With the advent of portable steam-powered engines, animal-powered machinery was replaced with engine-powered equipment. During the 20th century, internal-combustion engines grew in popularity. Kerosene and ethanol engines were used, but today diesel engines are dominant. Mechanical transmission was in many cases replaced by hydraulic machinery. The early 20th century also saw new electric-powered machines, such as the forklift. Caterpillar Inc. is a present-day brand from these days, starting out as the Holt Manufacturing Company. The first mass-produced heavy machine was the Fordson tractor in 1917. The first commercial continuous track vehicle was the Lombard Steam Log Hauler from 1901. Tracks became extensively used for tanks during World War I, and after the war, they became commonplace for civilian machinery, such as the bulldozer.

The next generation of tractors were fueled by internal combustion engines, including the petrol engine and then the diesel engine.

Tractors still do the majority of work on a modern farm. But technology is changing the way humans operate the machines, as computer monitoring systems, GPS locators, and self-steer programs allow the most advanced tractors and implements to be more precise and less wasteful in the use of fuel, seed, or fertilizer.

To learn more about Industrial Equipment visit our Cal/OSHA Industrial Equipment, Lift Trucks and Tractors Online Training web page.