Saunderson Tractor and Implement Co.

H P Saunderson founded his Saunderson Tractor and Implement Company in Elstow, Bedford in 1890 after visiting Canada and seeing the Massey and Harris companies. In 1898 Saunderson demonstrated a "Self Moving Vehicle" at a trial organised at the Royal Show which it unfortunately failed to complete because of engine failure. It was priced at £250 but it is not known if any were sold.

History

However, by the early 1900's production of 3 wheeled multi purpose tractors was proceeding and by 1910, 4-wheeled models joined the range. Some of these were powered by Crossley engines. By the start of the Great War conventional tractors were being produced just in time for the sales boom caused by the wartime labour shortage and for a short time Saunderson were Britain's biggest tractor makers. This success was not to last as the 1920s [ agricultural slump hit sales of all tractor manufacturers and so in 1924 Saunderson was looking for a buyer. [Classic Farm Tractors by M.Williams ISBN 978-0-7537-1446-1]

In 1922 they introduced a new light Tractor, this had a two cylinder 'V'-formation petrol-paraffin engine. This was a 20 hp unit, giving 12 hp on the draw bar. the tractor had a 3 year warranty.

Crossley Brothers took over the business in 1924 putting them into competition in the vehicle business with Crossley Motors. [http://www.crossley-motors.org.uk/history/others.html#Saunderson%20Tractors Crossley] The tractors were rebranded as Crossleys. As a result of the takeover Crossley also entered into railway locomotive building business for a year as work in hand included three petrol powered locomotives for Beswicks Limeworks of Hindlow, Derbyshire. The factory at Bedford continued in operation for many years making small stationary engines as well as agricultural machinery. It was sold in the mid 1930's and became known as the Bedford Plough and Engineering co., the factory continuing to operate until the 1970's.

Model Range

*Saunderson Model G
*Saunderson Light tractor

A Saunderson Model G tractor from 1914 is preserved in the Grampian Transport Museum which is situated in Alford near Aberdeen and a 1916 model is on display at Rutland County Museum in Oakham, Rutland.

ee Also

*Crossley - engine manufacturer

References

Links

* [http://www.crossley-motors.org.uk/history/others.html#Saunderson%20Tractors Crossley - Saunderson Web page]
* [http://tractors.wikia.com/wiki/Saunderson Tractors Wiki article]