Television, Food Warmer In Tractor Of Future

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29146, 5 March 1960, Page 14

Television, Food Warmer In Tractor Of Future

A model of a “dream tractor” has been developed by the Ford Motor Company under the guidance of Mr George W. Walker, vice-president and director of styling for the company. Designed as the tractor of the future, it incorporates everything for the farmer’s comfort and efficiency from television to weather forecasting.

A red and silver three-eighths scale model of this tractor is now being shown in the United States, according to a statement issued by the Ford cbmpany in New Zealand.

Mr Walker says that its design follows the pattern set by passenger cars in incorporating features of comfort from the home in the vehicles in which many spend many working hours. The tractor, known as Typhoon 11. would have a two-way telephone installed in the right-hand roof support of the cab. so that the operator could keep in touch with the barn or the house, the statement says. Weather forecasting equipment in the cab would allow the farmer to plan his work so as to reduce possible damage from rain. Heating, air conditioning and a radio speaker would be provided in ductwork on three sides of the cab. Additional heating would be provided by coils built into the stainless steel roof.

Hydraulic power would be used t turn front and rear wheels independently, to adjust the distance between the wheels and to increase the clearance under the tractor. Power and implement controls would be actuated by toggle switches and hand controls on both side of the operator, while the tractor would be steered by means of two foot pedals eliminating the need for

either a steering wheel or stick. A warning light system would re place standard gauges on the instrument panel. A television screen mounted just above the windshield would enable the operator to view the action of rear-mounted implements, which would be attached through an electrically-operated hitch hooked up magnetically. To make farming more pleasant the weather-proof cab would be equipped with a food warmer, coffee maker and refrigerator. Drawers and a sink would be installed behind the seat. The contoured swivel seat with flow-through air inserts could be moved in any direction and tilt to permit the driver to sit upright even if the tractor was being operated on a slope. While the company’s tractor and implement division has no plans to market the tractor, the model,is “one of many efforts to look into the future and envisage the appearance of vehicles designed to make living and working more pleasant and efficient,” says Mr Walker.