Streamlined (1930s-1950s)

A number of changes took place in tractor design during the 1930s. Pneumatic tires (typical air-filled tires) appeared during the 1930s. Tractors without tires were still manufactured at this time, but most were designed with tires. By the late 1930s, tractor companies began to abandon the crude, functional look of the tractor in favor of more stylized, streamlined look.

The tractors below date from the late 1930s and early 1940s and were designed with the stylized, streamlined look. Notice how the corners and edges have become smoothed and curved, and the whole body is more compact. Notice how many of the bodies taper to a narrower, rounded front. The tractors below are all fitted with pneumatic tires.

Streamlined Tractors: Image courtesy of Nick Baldwin and Andrew Morland, Classic American Farm Tractors, 1997

Streamlined Tractor: Image courtesy of Dave Arnold, Vintage John Deere, 1995

During the 1940s and 1950s, many tractors received an even more slimmed down, streamlined look.

1940s and 1950s Streamlined Tractors: Image courtesy of Nick Baldwin and Andrew Morland

Not every tractor received the new streamlined look. The image below depicts a circa 1940 tractor that retained its boxy look. Notice, however, that it is quite compact and has the pneumatic tires.

Non-Streamlined Tractor: Image courtesy of Nick Baldwin and Andrew Morland