Steam tractor in operation
Close up of the piston and crankshaft of an antique steam tractor in operation at a steam show in Ohio, USA. Steam tractors are powered by burning a combustible material to produce steam in a boiler which drives the piston, flywheel and pulley. They were used for a variety of purposes on a farm, including plowing, threshing, and milling. Steam tractors date back to the 1880s and were phased out in the 1920s as the Steam Age came to an end and lighter and more efficient gasoline tractors became prevalent. This tractor was manufactured by the Case Company which, after several mergers, continues to make tractors and farm equipment today.