Gasifier Tractors of World War II
During World War II, gasification tractors were essential in helping the Allied forces achieve victory. Gasification converts organic material such as wood, straw, or coal into combustible gas. This gas powers internal combustion engines. The gasifier tractors were mainly used for agricultural purposes and allowed farmers to maintain food production during difficult times.
The first tractor-mounted gasifier was developed by two British engineers, Philip Templer and Reginald Moore, in 1926. By 1938, the Rootes Group perfected the design to begin manufacture. These early gasifier tractors could produce between 6 and 12 horsepower depending on their size. They performed many farming tasks, such as ploughing and harrowing.
These tractors drastically reduced the fuel used by large-scale farms during the war years. With them, it was possible for farmers to reliably produce enough food to feed the population during this time of crisis. This allowed Britain and its allies to focus their resources on more pressing matters, such as munitions and weapons development.
Gasifier tractors played an even more significant role after the war had ended. They proved invaluable in restoring European agricultural productivity, devastated by six long years of conflict. The tractors not only helped clear damaged land but also provided an effective way for farmers to quickly restore food production in areas that had been heavily bombed or shelled during the war.
Today, some modern-day gardeners still choose to use a modified version of these original WWII-era gasifiers since they offer a reliable source of clean energy with minimal environmental impact compared with traditional petrol-powered engines. So while they may never get the fame that other military inventions do, these humble machines have still left an indelible mark on history and made a lasting impression on countless lives worldwide.
Images of Gasifier Tractors
Unsure what the brands some of these gasifier tractors are or from which year, but unsurprisingly, many look to be WWII vintage. See also the Rondalson Tippet and Kent gasifier tractors.
The word tractor has Latin origins, the agent noun of trahere “to pull”. According to Wikki, The first recorded use of the word meaning “an engine or vehicle for pulling wagons or ploughs” happened in 1901, displacing the earlier term “traction engine” (1859)
Gasifier Tractor Brazil
Gasified tractor in Brazil