Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory

Organization

Staff Only

Biography

In 1919 the Nebraska legislature passed a law requiring that each model of tractor sold in Nebraska be tested, the test results made public, and repair parts made available within the state. Following the legislation, the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory was established and began conducting tests in 1920 to assure tractor performance upheld manufacturers’ claims. Except for a period during World War II, the laboratory has continued to conduct performance tests and joined the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development as an official test site in 1986. Among the tests conducted by the laboratory are: power take-off tests, drawbar tests, rollover protective structure tests, and tests of sound levels in tractors.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

History, Biological Systems Engineering Records

Collection

Identifier: RG-08-07-12

Scope and Contents

The records contain publications and photographs related to the history of the Biological Systems Engineering Department. Significant photograph subjects include Agricultural Engineering class photos, staff and faculty portraits, L.W. Chase Hall, Energy Farm (Mead, Nebraska), Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, and Tractor Power and Safety Day.

Dates: 1904-1994

Found in: Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries

Tractor Tests, Biological Systems Engineering Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RG-08-07-05

Scope and Contents The collection consists of tractor test records and photographic materials related to the laboratory’s work. The photographic prints, slides, and negatives show tractors, a variety of tractor tests, laboratory staff, board members, facilities, and equipment. Also included are images of events and workshops such as Agricultural Engineering Tractor Power and Safety Day and 4-H Tractor Club leader training. Tractor parts, maintenance, safety, and accidents are among the other...

Dates: 1918-2015