Aultman & Taylor farm tractors represent a foundational era in American agriculture. Founded in 1865 by Cornelius Aultman and H.H. Taylor, the company began by manufacturing steam engines, sawmills, and threshing equipment in Mansfield, Ohio. In 1910, Aultman & Taylor entered the gasoline tractor market—placing them among the early innovators of internal combustion farm machinery.
The company produced some of the most powerful and respected tractors of the pre-Depression era, especially known for their durability and impressive size. In 1924, Aultman & Taylor was acquired by Advance-Rumely, bringing an end to their independent operations.
Notable Aultman & Taylor Tractor Models
The following are the known gasoline-powered tractor models released by Aultman & Taylor between 1911 and 1924:
| Model | Horsepower | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 15-30 | 33 hp [P] | 1919–1923 |
| 18-36 | 40 hp [B] | 1915–1918 |
| 22-45 | 50 hp [B] | 1918–1923 |
| 25-50 | 55 hp [B] | 1915–1918 |
| 30-60 | 89 hp [B] | 1911–1924 |
The 30-60 was particularly famous for its robust engineering and raw power, earning a loyal following among large-scale grain farmers and threshing crews in the Midwest. These tractors were built for heavy-duty fieldwork long before hydraulics and diesel engines became common.
Legacy and Influence
Though short-lived as a tractor brand, Aultman & Taylor’s innovations helped shape the early evolution of mechanized farming. Their transition from steam to gasoline engines, and their adoption of two-cylinder and four-cylinder designs, placed them at the forefront of agricultural technology in the early 20th century.
Today, surviving Aultman & Taylor farm tractors are treasured by collectors and featured in vintage tractor shows across the U.S., standing as symbols of American industrial ingenuity.
