The Dynamics of Power: Recent Trends in Mechanization on the American Farm

A brief review & analysis is presented of some of the most recent developments in agri'al machine technology in the US. Special emphasis is given to (a) the power revolution & its thrust toward larger tractors & (b) the increased use of self-propelled machinery. The roots of the power revolution are shown to go back to the stream era when man first began to use inanimate power for traction work. A trend toward smaller tractors began in the yrs after WWI & through WWII, but the decrease in small farms in the 1950's reversed this trend then with a thrust toward higher-powered tractors. Regional variation in tractor size & type is noted. 3 major diff's are noted in the machines marketed in 1969 vs those in 1949: (1) all manufacturers produced more models in 1969 than in 1949; some offered twice as many; (2) power increased drastically; (3) there were much fewer small models in 1969. Some type of implements, eg, combines, increased, while others, eg, the corn picker, decreased. The trend toward self-propulsion of implements emerges as simply another facet of the thrust toward power. The US farmer now commands more sheer power than any other farm operator has ever done at any time. 13 Figures. M. Maxfield.