Ferguson cried “Foul!” and indicated he wanted out of the agreement, to which the people at Brown were only happy to agree. When Ferguson returned to the UK, it wasn’t long before Brown showed their new, larger tractor design to the stockholders.
And finally, the agreement could be terminated at any time by either party.The Ferguson System tractor would eventually be built in the UK.Ferguson could sell the tractor wherever and however he wanted.Ford would be responsible for manufacturing.Ferguson would have total control of design and engineering.The ‘handshake agreement’ covered five main points: You stake your resources and reputation on this idea, and I’ll stake a lifetime of design and invention.”įord agreed “It’s a good idea – you trust me, and I’ll trust you.”Īnd with that, they stood and shook hands – Ferguson would be the only man with whom Ford ever went into partnership – Ford manufacturing and selling the tractors to Ferguson’s company, which then handled distribution and sales.
They are not for sale to you or anyone at any price.”įord: “Well, you need me as much as I need you, so what do you suggest?”įerguson responded, “A gentleman’s agreement. Ford, you haven’t got enough money to buy my patents. Again, the Ferguson excelled.Ī table and chairs were brought out from the house, and Ferguson used a model to explain his Ferguson System hitch to Ford and to press the point that a safe, light, mass-produced tractor would be within reach of even the smallest farmer, and what’s more, could completely replace the 19 million or so horses still used on farms.īoth men were idealists and interested in making life easier on farmers – Ford offered to buy the patents outright.įerguson replied, “Mr. Ford then called for the demonstration to be moved across the road to Deer Field, which had heavier soil. Where the Ferguson had no trouble pulling the same size plow uphill, the other two tractors slipped and lost traction. After Ferguson’s operator demonstrated a two-bottom plow on an uphill section, Ford called for the estate’s Allis-Chalmers B and Fordson tractors to be brought around for comparison. When Ford returned, a demonstration was set up in a roped-off section of Clara Ford’s garden.
Ford was away for a few days inspecting mines in the Upper Peninsula, so Ferguson used the time to ready every detail to perfection. Ferguson arrived at Fair Lane in September, 1938 with John Williams and the Sherman brothers in tow.
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