1892

Designed by John Froelich this one-cylinder engine tractor was the industry’s first that could propel itself both forward and backward. While only two tractors were ever built that summer they harvested 72,000 bushels of small grain and traversed over rough roads and hilly fields. Engine power was provided by a Van Duzen single-cylinder vertical engine mounted on a Robinson running gear with a Froelich gear set up. No original Froelich Tractors survive today. The best replica is owned by Deere & Company. Later in 1892, John Froelich entered into a partnership forming the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company, later to be purchased by Deere & Company in 1918.

Van Duzen single cylinder vertical engine mounted on a a Robinson running gear with a Froelich gear set up

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