the ferguson black: homecoming

Disruptive Technology

The essence of the Ferguson system as incorporated into the Black tractor was simplicity, efficiency, economy and safety, the 3-point system element allowed the tractor and implement to become one unit. 

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The system was most easily demonstrated when operating soil penetrating implements, being particularly advantageous when ploughing. Features and benefits included fast implement attachment, converging linkage which allowed the operator the comfort of looking forward when working, penetration and traction without weight, fingertip control, safety and efficiency when the implement hit an underground obstruction and the convenience of an oil immersed hydraulic pump system that facilitated automatic draft control, whilst preserving the physical integrity of the hydraulic oil. 

The Ferguson system combined tractor and plough into one unit that ensured manoeuvrability, safety, cost savings and other benefits. It meant that drill depth could be adjusted, so irrespective of the soil conditions or terrain the implement automatically returned to its pre-set depth.

Agriculture Transformation

The technology incorporated into the Ferguson Black tractor is as relevant today as it was in 1935 when the tractor was ready for mass production.

The system transformed world agriculture and, subsequently almost every tractor built worldwide incorporated it. Today, 80% of the world’s tractors still use the Ferguson System. Those ideas, first seen in the Ferguson Black tractor, are as relevant today as they were in 1933.

What Does It Mean For Northern Ireland?

The technology was developed, built and tested by a team of brilliant engineers spearheaded by an innovative genius, all of which were born and reared within forty miles of Belfast in Northern Ireland. The tractor is a once off, only one exists and it is the progenitor for 80% of all tractors ever produced anywhere in the world since then. Having been housed for many years in the Science Museum in London, it is now on display at the Ulster transport Museum in Cultra, in Northern Ireland. This mechanical icon represents the remarkable inventions, innovations and engineering successes of Northern Ireland during a golden era and is now to be found in its natural home.

Loan by kind permission of the grandchildren of Harry Ferguson; Jamie Sheldon, Sally Fleming and Caroline Sheldon.