Writing a History Research Paper on Farm Equipment

If you're writing a history research paper, one of the topics you should consider is the invention of farm equipment. From steam-powered threshing machines to General-purpose tractors and Combine harvesters, you'll want to explore the development of farm equipment throughout the past two centuries.

Steam traction engines powered threshing machines.

Before the steam traction engine, threshing machines were powered by draught horses or stationary engines. This was a common practice in the countryside. Draught horses and stationary engines were used for hauling, and many farms used draught horses year-round. During the harvest, traveling threshing contractors would use these engines to move from farm to farm. The invention of steam traction engines changed the face of threshing. In the late 18th century, steam engines became more efficient and powerful. In Battle Creek, Michigan, Merritt and Kellog manufactured self-propelled steam traction engines that could move from farm to farm under their own steam. However, horse-drawn engines continued to be used until 1880. In the nineteenth century, steam traction engines were the most common power source for threshing rigs. While some larger farms used steam-powered combines, most farmers used steam traction engines.

General-purpose tractors

The development of general-purpose tractors was gradual but significant. They were first developed with limited applications in mind. Then, the technology was quickly diffused into more comprehensive applications. This sequence is consistent with other historical examples and the R&D model. Explaining the different uses of technology is key to understanding how it is diffused. The invention of GP tractors in 1924 revolutionized agriculture. It made farming more productive and efficient. It reduced the use of horses and mules in the fields, which helped increase yields. As a result, farmers could grow more crops and boost production dramatically. By the early 20th century, three companies controlled nearly 50% of the market, and the demand for new equipment was overwhelming. In 1937, Ford made its return to the tractor business. This time, it partnered with engineer Harry Ferguson and developed the three-point hitch system, which made plowing easier. This new technology allowed a farmer to use the same tractor for several tasks, such as planting and harvesting.

Combine harvesters

The development of combined harvesters began in the early 1900s. The first harvesters used a conventional design, with a rotating cylinder at the front to knock the seeds from the heads and separate them from the remaining crop. The next generation of harvesters, known as rotary combine harvesters, started to take on a more advanced design. Finally, in the late 1970s, International Harvester and Gleaner each introduced a model with a 'walkers' design and large threshing cylinders. These improvements allowed them to harvest grain faster and more gently process fragile seeds. In the U.S., there are roughly 323,000 combines in use. As a result research paper writer prices for new combines can fluctuate each year. For Class 7 combines, prices vary from 4% to 13% annually. These price changes are caused by various factors, including changes in Section 179 write-offs, commodity prices, and emission requirements.

Diesel engines

The use of diesel engines on farm equipment is a growing technology. Only tractors and other farm equipment could run on gasoline in the early twentieth century, but that changed. In the 1930s, diesel engines began to be used on farm equipment. The first tractors to use them were Caterpillar 60 diesel crawlers. The Cat 60 was the first tractor tested under the Nebraska Tractor Test Law. A few years later, the International Model 284 was the last tractor to use gasoline in tests. For the next 45 years, the use of diesel engines was widely expanded. The early diesel had several inherent problems, including incomplete combustion, resulting in heavy exhaust smoke and toxic exhausts. The difficulty of starting a diesel engine was also a significant concern. To overcome this, early gallons of diesel had to be started by injecting high-pressure air into the intake manifold, forcing the intake valves to open. This also triggered the fuel injection system. Once the engine started, the fuel injection system did its job.

Conservation tillage

Conservation tillage is a farming method that conserves land by minimizing soil disturbance. This technique was developed in the Prairies between the 1930s and the 1980s. Many farmers adopted it because of its environmental and economic benefits. Nonetheless, its adoption was initially slow because of social and economic constraints. The definition of conservation tillage differs from region to region. For example, California does not require a residue preservation requirement. This distinction emphasizes the need for more standardized terminology and reporting. This will allow for more meaningful learning about CT systems. It is essential to understand how these systems are implemented. Farmers played a vital role in the development of conservation tillage technology. They promoted the system's benefits by sharing information with other farmers through formal and informal networks.