Case Tractor
The tractor was first invented when somebody applied the steam machine technology that had revolutionized trains to an agricultural vehicle that could do the work horses did on the fields, but with the strength of a machine. Although the experiment had a lot of drawbacks at first, it became popular after the steam engine was substituted with a gas engine. Early gas engines still had several problems, like overheating, but they were nevertheless more effective than horses, mainly due to their strength, but also because they were more reliable than horses, who could get stubborn or sick. As the years went by, tractors became even more reliable and broke down with much less frequency. In addition, they became much more versatile and, with the aid of different designs and implements, they also became useful in other areas, specially in construction.
Nowadays, the tractor industry is one of the most specialized and important ones there are. There are many brands and names and models to choose from. Among those, the Case tractor is one of the tractors that is backed up by the best technology available. A Case tractor is also the result of more than one hundred fifty years of experience.
Although Case tractors are now produced by CNH Global, a huge transnational company with presence in several countries, it all started with the work and vision of one individual: Jerome Increase Case, a New Yorker descendent of immigrants.
Jerome first dreamed about tractors as a small child, when he saw in a magazine the first reaper machine, which was a great technological breakthrough at the time. When he grew up, he decided to move to Wisconsin, where he figured he’d find more clients, and founded the company that would eventually become Case Tractors: J I Case Company.
Case Tractors worked on technological improvements, and it came up with the first Case tractor, which was a steam engine applied on a vehicle for agricultural purposes. This was the first American machine of its type, as previously they had to be imported from Europe. Soon, farmers from all over the state and later from all over the country wanted to purchase Case tractors.
Case Tractors allowed Jerome to become a wealthy and influential man. Aside from his inventive and taste for machinery, Jerome tried his hand at banking as well. Later on, he ran for mayor of his city and won. This paved him the way to become state senator twice.
After his death, his company became part of a series of mergers and purchases that ended up with the creation of CNH Global, which is itself mostly owned by Fiat.