90th anniversary of Ferguson Farm Machinery being launched
On the 10th April, 1936 the world’s first production Ferguson System tractor the Ferguson “Ulster” tractor or as its more commonly known the Ferguson-Brown Type A that was part of Ferguson Farm Machinery was officially launched. The tractor and specially developed implements was the result of over 20 years of research and development by County Down man, Harry Ferguson (1884 – 1960) in Northern Ireland.
From when he invented the modern tractor in his Ferguson Master Patent of 1925 as a new way to farm he and his engineers worked to perfect the Ferguson Principle that evolved into a Ferguson System of farm mechanisation and modernisation. The tractor not just pulled a plough to replace the horse but was part of a single mechanised unit with quickly interchangeable implements and automatic depth control. The Ferguson System as fitted to the Ferguson Belfast Black Prototype tractor would be perfected by the autumn of 1935 and following an agreement by David Brown of Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England on the 2nd of December it would see the first production version assembled in March, 1936.
Harry Ferguson had purpose in the invention of the modern tractor. His great vision and ideals would he hoped not just be for benefit to farmers but for the betterment of humanity itself. Everything he did in the ultimate goal of putting his Ferguson System into production was carefully considered. Harry Ferguson not only was a great genius and innovator but also a great showman and selected dates carefully to promote his inventions. For example the Ferguson System Day of Patents on the 5th February, 1936 to protect his intellectual property rights. The day being chosen as it was the 36th day of the 36th year. The number 36 being very special from engineering, innovation, mathematical and religious points of view due to its unique enlightenment properties.
With the tractor now at last in production and a few private demonstrations held from late March Harry Ferguson wanted to keep those informed on progress. This was especially the case in Northern Ireland were farmers had been carefully following the Ferguson “Ulster” tractor and its 4 different implements as part of Ferguson Farm Machinery closely. Harry Ferguson would once again carefully select the date of the 10th of April, 1936 to launch his revolutionary new way to farm and invite orders from possible dealers.
The 10th of April, 1936 had special meaning to innovation but is often overlooked because of a great success that became a failure. The 10th April, 1936 was 24 years to the day since the Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage in 1912. A voyage that sadly would end in disaster after hitting an iceberg and sinking. Harry Ferguson like many others would have looked on at the building of the Titanic in Belfast with great pride as a symbol of the modern age. The Titanic was an innovative ship, powered by a hybrid propulsion system that was both very advanced and efficient. This gave the Titanic a top speed of 26 miles per hour, fast for a large ocean going liner. The ship was fitted with watertight compartments operated by electrically operated doors and which sadly and incorrectly claimed to make the ship unsinkable. It also featured an advanced powerful Marconi radio transmitter system for communication, and other luxurious amenities of the finest quality.
Harry Ferguson understood what happened to the Titanic was progress without control and therefore very dangerous. Safety and control was always a key aspect in his Ferguson System. It was claimed by some that "Not even God himself could sink the Titanic." However God had other intentions and arrogance of the claimed invincibility of the ship contributed to it sinking and not the innovatory design of the Titanic. Remember the Captain despite having received multiple iceberg warnings maintained full speed and ultimately the Titanic would sink in the early hours of the 15th April, 1912, 2 hours and 40 minutes after suffering catastrophic damage while hitting the iceberg. The sinking of the Titanic would lead to major safety improvements on ships. Perhaps Harry Ferguson also wanted Northern Ireland to be associated not with failure but with a world changing success story and that would be his Ferguson System.
Harry Ferguson’s invention of the modern tractor would be progress with control. That control being the touch of a finger to raise and lower implements. For the first time in history the Ferguson System would give even the poorest farmer through innovation and progress the ability to control their own destiny, the industrial revolution finally applied to farming. The dawn of a new beginning for humanity also tied into the Titanic story, 24 years previously with 24 years being of course the number of hours in a day and that beginning of a new day for humanity. Ferguson Farm Machinery being advertised as “The Dawn of a new security and prosperity for Britain.”
The first production Ferguson-Brown Type A serial number 1 would arrive in Northern Ireland on the 21st April, 1936 and once again that date was carefully selected. The very special first tractor, plough and cultivator later going to Thomas MacGregor Greer a friend and business partner of Harry Ferguson. Greer financed the Ferguson System and it was on his lands in County Tyrone the Ferguson System was perfected.
As part of the celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first production Ferguson System tractor and Ferguson Farm Machinery I will have a notice board display at the Omagh Steam & Vintage Show on Saturday 18th April. I will also be doing a presentation in the Castle Inn, Castlederg on the 21st April at 8PM, to tell the tractor’s remarkable story.
Stevan Patterson, Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.