Harry Ferguson : Inventor and Pioneer

Harry Ferguson: inventor and pioneer

Paperback book, 216 x 138 mm, 320 pages, 20 photographs

Colin Fraser

Published 1998

Price £9.95

ISBN 0-9533651-2-3

"Packed with fact, but simply put together and easy to read, Colin Fraser's 'Harry Ferguson - Inventor and Pioneer' is essential reading for those requiring a background knowledge of tractor development over the last 60 years. Fraser's explanation of Harry Ferguson and his companies' experiments with tractors and implements in Ireland, America and Great Britain is no less than brilliant." - Power Farming Magazine

First published in 1972, Colin Fraser's book has remained the main source of information about the life and work of Harry Ferguson. This first paperback edition is an unabridged copy of the second printing of the text, complete with all the original photographs.
Before he wrote his book, Colin Fraser had spent five years lecturing and instructing on Massey Ferguson equipment, so he was well qualified to deal with the technical side of Ferguson's work. During eight months of research Fraser had full access to Ferguson's papers and interviewed 62 of his associates.
Fraser's book provides a thorough account of the development of the system and tractors that are Ferguson's permanent memorial. It also covers Ferguson's early days as an aviator and motor car pioneer, his business dealings, the tumultuous relationship with Ford and the merger with Massey.

"Colin Fraser's book is as good technically as it is in revealing the man who almost tore himself to shreds on behalf of his brain children." - Times Literary Supplement

Harry Ferguson - Inventor and Pioneer - Colin Fraser


In 1911, Harry Ferguson, a racing enthusiast, established his own motor business. May Street Garage later became Harry Ferguson Ltd.

		1938, Harry Ferguson (left) demonstrating the Ferguson System to Henry Ford at Dearborn. Their relationship got off on a good footing.

By 1947 Harry Ferguson was suing Henry Ford for $251 million. This shot was taken outside Claridges in 1949 after he stormed out of a lawsuit meeting.