The 19th century was the century of steam. It was during this era that the “traction engine” came into being. Basically a land locomotive; they were big, powerful, and capable of doing the work of several horses. A traction engine could provide the power to run anything from a threshing machine to a saw mill but they required skill to operate safely and were too expensive for most small farmers.
Jerome Increase Case's company of Racine, Wisconsin built its first steam engine in 1869. By the year 1900 Case had become the largest producer of steam engines. Their largest engine was a 150 hp monster built in 1904 that weighed 20 tons. Steam tractor production peaked in 1912, the same year that the company ventured into the gas tractor business.
Jerome Increase Case's company of Racine, Wisconsin built its first steam engine in 1869. By the year 1900 Case had become the largest producer of steam engines. Their largest engine was a 150 hp monster built in 1904 that weighed 20 tons. Steam tractor production peaked in 1912, the same year that the company ventured into the gas tractor business.
This Case traction engine produced 110 horsepower, weighed seven tons and could pull a 14 bottom plow. It featured a locomotive type cab, rear wheels that measured seven feet in diameter and, a first for steam engines, power steering.
The Buffalo-Springfield Steamroller was a traction engine used in road building.
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