Traction Engines

Steam Power was first used in the Agricultural Industry in the early 1800's by way of the Portable Engine. They were used to drive, Threshing Machines, Saws and other farm machinery, they were moved from farm to farm by teams of horses. It was not until the middle of the 19th Century that it became obvious that these machines should be self-propelled and thus the Traction Engine was born. Now that these machines could be driven from one farm to another, tasks for the portable engine became fewer.

The fitting of winches enabled the traction engine to pull out hedges and trees. In 1856 by fitting a drum mounted horizontally under the engine, John Fowler patented the ploughing engine. These were used in pairs, standing on opposite sides of the field, each pulled with a drum of wire hawser, the plough being winched backwards and forwards across the field between the two engines.

The Agricultural engine was the most common, used for hauling tackle between farms and also for driving such things as Threshing Boxes. The Steam Tractor was the smallest of all Traction Engines, used mainly for light haulage, whereas Road Locomotives were larger and used for hauling heavy, bulky items such as timber, Boilers and Generators. By the fitting of a Dynamo in front of the chimney and a full length canopy the Showman's Engine came into being. These could haul rides, side-shows and their Caravans. Once at the Fairground the dynamo was powered by means of a belt from the engines flywheel to provide electricity to drive the various rides.