International Harvester

Business and Industry, Est. 1902

International Harvester was the result of a merger between the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company, in 1902. Back then, the company produced tractors that pulled large plows and other farm machinery. Such plows had been produced by John Deere in Moline, Illinois, since 1837.

International Harvester began making the Titan 10-20 and 15-30, but were later compelled to produce smaller tractors to compete with Ford Motor Company. As a result, a small general-purpose tractor, the Farmall, was produced for smaller projects around the farm.

During International Harvester's business life, it produced other farm equipment, construction equipment, household appliances, jet engines, and large trucks. They also produced light vehicles: the Travelall, Scout, and the Scout II. International was known for its product durability, but the company eventually sold out to the Case Corporation, in 1985.