Farmall Red Tractor Watercolor, July 2014. I was asked to create this piece for a friend and I hope I did not disappoint – I wish I still had it as I love it so much! Ink and watercolor on watercolor paper.
The original design for this Farmall Red Tractor one is a Photograph by HumboldtStreet on Etsy.
A little history about Case & the Farmall Red Tractor
The Farmall red tractor is an iconic symbol of American agricultural history. It was produced by the International Harvester Company (IHC), now known as Case IH. The Farmall tractor was one of the first successful row-crop tractors and played a crucial role in revolutionizing farming practices in the early to mid-20th century.
The development of the Farmall tractor began in the 1910s when IHC engineer Harry Merritt designed a lightweight, general-purpose tractor that could be used for various tasks on small and medium-sized farms. This tractor was intended to replace the large, cumbersome steam-powered tractors of the time.
In 1923, the first Farmall prototype, known as the Farmall Regular, was introduced. It was a two-plow tractor with a narrow front end, which allowed it to navigate between rows of crops. The most significant innovation of the Farmall Regular was its tricycle design with a single front wheel and two rear wheels. This configuration allowed for a tight turning radius and increased maneuverability, making it ideal for row-crop farming.
The Farmall Regular received a positive response from farmers, and in 1924, International Harvester began mass production of the tractor. It was officially named the “Farmall” to reflect its focus on serving the needs of farmers across the United States.
Over the years, International Harvester introduced various Farmall models with improved features and horsepower. Some of the popular models included the Farmall F-20, Farmall H, Farmall M, and the Farmall Cub. The Farmall H and Farmall M were particularly successful and played a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity during World War II and the post-war era.
The Farmall red color became a hallmark of the brand. The reason for choosing red as the color is often attributed to practicality rather than aesthetics. International Harvester used a red lead-based primer on their tractors, which was abundant and inexpensive. This resulted in the distinct red color that became synonymous with Farmall tractors.
In the 1950s, International Harvester faced increasing competition from other tractor manufacturers, and the Farmall brand gradually merged with the company’s other lines to form the “International” brand. In 1985, International Harvester’s agricultural division merged with J.I. Case to become Case IH, and the Farmall brand name was eventually retired.
Despite the retirement of the Farmall brand, the legacy of the red tractors remains strong in the hearts of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts. Many vintage Farmall tractors are still in use or have been lovingly restored, serving as a testament to the innovation and impact of these iconic machines on the history of American agriculture.
XOXO,
Katie
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