In 1986, Ford made a significant move by acquiring Sperry New Holland, forming Ford New Holland Inc.

Even before this acquisition, Ford had a rich history in agricultural machinery. In 1907, they introduced the prototype for the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-powered tractor, initially termed the “automobile plow”. A decade later, it transitioned into actual production and was rebranded as the Fordson Model F under the Henry Ford & Son Company.

By 1939, Ford had revolutionized the agricultural industry with the introduction of the three-point hitch on their ‘N’ tractor series, a highly successful family of tractors. Throughout the 1980s, Ford stood as a leading figure in the industry, credited for numerous innovations, such as the utilization of power hydraulics, rubber pneumatic tires, diesel engines, and the widespread integration of the three-point hitch. Though initially developed by Harry Ferguson, this hitch became a staple feature in Ford’s machinery lineup.