What started as an innovative idea from Gas Traction Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is now owned

by couple Allan and Harriet Severson. The Big Four “30” tractor is a rarity in and of itself. It is believed to be the only Big Four “30” offered at auction within the last 30 years. A prairie tractor ahead of its time, this steel-wheeled sensation is considered one of the most desirable tractors for any collection. With its impressive 8-foot-tall wheels and imposing presence, this tractor is sure to grab attention anywhere it goes.

by Hailey Schulte

THE BIG

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This massive machine was manufactured in 1908 and modeled by D.M. Hartsough, where it exceeded all precedent examples of tractors, being one of the first to use a gas engine without having to make numerous stops to refill radiator water. Not only was the engine innovative, but the Big Four also had a distinct body shape, with its wheels sitting at 8 feet, 3 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Being the largest tractor of its time, its uniqueness created demand, which is commonly attributed to Canadian buyers. Weighing around 22,000 pounds, the Big Four “30” tractor was able to pull a 10-bottom plow up to 2 MPH, and it could pull up to six grain binders.

In the initial stages of production, Hartsough’s design was entered in the Winnipeg trials of 1908. Although it was not awarded any prizes or placements, the Big Four “30” drew in attention because of its noticeable size difference, as well as for having a bite that matched its bark; the Big Four “30” plowed the second largest number of acres in the competition—2,597 acres. With the nickname “Giant Horse,” the machine was unparalleled in size and usage, allowing farmers to plow 33 acres a day, as compared to the two acres that were completed by equestrian farming. The gas-centric tractor far outperformed its counterpart, the steam engine, as well. Although steam engines could accomplish about as much work as the Big Four, the machine required less stops than steam engines since it didn’t need frequent refilling of water or any replenishment of coals.

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Gas Traction Company wanted to keep the reputation of the new tractor lively as to encourage a strong public demand, so that dealers would have an easier time selling the machines. Word-of-mouth was the best way to establish a brand, so the company hired James J. Hill, local celebrity and coal monopolist, to do an endorsement advertisement for “Gas Review Magazine,” heightening the popularity of the Big Four “30.” But there was more to this tractor than just hired hearsay.

Its 4-cylinder engine could reach 30 HP on the drawbar and 60 HP on the belt. Along with its efficiency and seemingly easy-to-use nature, the Big Four came with a vertical engine, which allowed manufacturers and farmers to easily access it for repairs and refueling. Hartsough’s

design also allowed the machine to maintain a longer lifespan—the cylinder walls were no longer bogged down by the weight of the piston, which had previously caused early deterioration of engines.

However, these numerous perks were accompanied by a few significant downfalls. One of these tractors would cost a buyer $2,800 in the year 1910, when gas was set at 10 cents per gallon, and gas was hard to come by. Farmers would most often have to travel into town on horse, making it a whole day’s trip to gather the gasoline, travel back to their farms and refill their machines, sometimes totaling up to 15 hours to simply retrieve and refill the tractor with fuel. For a while, Gas Traction Company was the “first and largest builder in the world of 4-cylinder tractors,” as

stated by renowned author of tractor literature, C.H. Wendel, but farmers realized the need for something more manageable and less time consuming.

As farmers began to purchase smaller plots of land, and the initial demand of the “Giant Horse” died down, Gas Traction Company was bought out by competing manufacturer Emerson-Brantingham Company. It was able to buy out Gas Traction Company for $2 million in the year 1912. While the “30” may indeed have been ahead of the curve, starting off as the “the trend of its time,” as stated by P.J. Barnard, author of “Gas Tractioneer,” its popularity quickly diminished under the new ownership. On top of farmers’ desire for smaller, more efficient machines, Emerson-Brantingham Company’s reputation also contributed to the demise

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of the Big Four production. The company was known to have undependable tractors, and Emerson-Brantingham bought out Gas Traction Company during a time when people were shying away from streamers and prairie tractors. It was in 1916 that the tractor was last marketed, which was quickly followed by the 1920 discontinuation of the Big Four and the buyout of Emerson-Brantingham Company by J.I. Case Company.

Flash forward to the year 2019, and this Big Four “30” resides with Allan and Harriet Severson. The restoration of this beautiful machine took Allan Severson six years to complete. The meticulously recreated color scheme of vibrant green and red paint comes as close to the original detailing as possible; other tune-ups include a modified radiator, fenders and a large, stenciled number four brandished on the front end. The machine originally caught Severson’s eye as it sat idle on a Nebraskan railroad bed aching for modifications and touch ups; realizing its value and potential, Severson later purchased the Big Four from the estate to which it belonged. After finishing the restorations in 2019, Severson is ready to debut his Big Four “30.” Although his restoration outfit, Countryside Machining, is where his love and admiration began, Severson’s interest doesn’t end at his own Big Four “30.” The few examples that remain are located internationally, from the U.S. to Australia and from South Africa to the Netherlands, and Severson maintains an active role within this global group of Big Four enthusiasts as a provider of invaluable information, sketches and prints. Even though there isn’t a central focus on the exchanging of parts or the selling of pieces or machines, when the group members do need repairs or new parts, there tends to be a fair amount

of trading. It is a close-knit community centralized on crafting the most immaculate tractors possible. These individuals work together as a team to make sure each of these Big Fours are as restored and functional as can be, all while maintaining their charm and authenticity.

This Big Four “30” tractor will be featured at the Gone Farmin’ auction in Davenport, Iowa, the weekend of November 7-9, 2019, and those in attendance are sure to agree that this Big Four is a showpiece unparalleled by any other tractor of its time.

OFFERED NOVEMBER 8 AT DAVENPORT 2019

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