I think the first major improvement was when manufacturers settled on what is today pretty much the standard configuration: Two large traction wheels in back, steering wheels in front, with the operator riding between the rear wheels. If you get a chance to see some of the pre-war designs, there were a lot of horrible configurations. Some were even steered by reins, like the tractor was a team of horses.
The internal combustion engine was a big improvement over steam, but it was inevitable once it took hold in automobiles that it would be the engine of choice in farm tractors.
Certainly the three-point hitch was a major development for safety and utility. And the power takeoff was a big step forward from belt pulleys. (belts being a holdover from steam engine days.)
I would say that pretty much all improvements in tractor technology have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Automatic transmissions, hydraulics, power steering, electric starting, four wheel drive all came about because the technology was available. Very few developments originated with tractors. The Ferguson 3-point hitch system is a notable exception.
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Today's Featured Article - The 8N and the Fox - by Zane Sherman. Dec. 13 1998, Renfroe, Alabama. Last niht I dreamed about the day that I plowed the field of about 10 acres over on what Jimmy and Dandy called the Ledbetter field. I was driving the 1948 8N Ford tractor that Jimmy bought in 48 new This was prebably in about 1951 and maybe even befor the house was built. This would have made me to be about16 years old and I drove the tractor for nothing and would have paid to drive it if I had had any money which I didn't, but neit
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