Agricultural
29 May, 2023
Historic tractor finds a home
One for tractor fanatics: A vintage 1912 McDonald EB oil tractor has been restored and is now on display in the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
The McDonald EB tractor is one of the earliest surviving tractors manufactured in Australia.
The significant trans-formation of Australia’s agricultural industry is represented by the extraordinary McDonald ‘Imperial’ oil ‘EB’ tractor, which is going on display in the Museum’s Gandel Atrium this week.
The tractor, built in 1912, substantially adds to the Museum’s National Historical Collection and supports its mission to tell remarkable stories from Australian history.
It was acquired by the National Museum for $250,000, with the support of the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account.
In 1908, innovative Melbourne engineers Alfred and Ernest McDonald produced the first Australian-made, oil-powered tractor, known as the ‘EA’.
The improved design of the ‘EB’ followed in 1912.
It provides a revealing insight into the global transformation in auto-motive and agricultural practices triggered by the invention of the oil-driven, internal combustion engine in the 1870s.
“This acquisition represents our agricultural history, and we are thrilled to share it with Australia,” Museum Director Dr Mathew Trinca said.
Museum curator Dr Coates said perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the early tractors produced by AH McDonald & Co was the relative sophistication of their engineering, which included coil ignition, a three-speed gearbox and automotive rack-and-pinion steering.
“This reflects Alf McDonald’s capacity to improve the contemporary design of imported American tractors,” Dr Coates said.
Tractor lovers on the Darling Downs will no doubt be overjoyed by the restoration and
display of the McDonald EB oil tractor by the National Museum.
