National Museum of Australia in Canberra showcases rare Australian-made McDonald ‘Imperial’ oil ‘EB’ tractor
With the backing of the Federal Government’s National Cultural Heritage Account grant program, the National Museum recently acquired the historic 1912 McDonald ‘Imperial’ oil ‘EB’ tractor for $250,000.
AH McDonald & Co of Richmond, Melbourne, manufactured the McDonald ‘EB’ oil tractor, which is one of the three remaining complete examples produced in Australia.
The pioneering Melbourne engineers, Alfred and Ernest McDonald, introduced the first oil-powered tractor made in Australia in 1908, named the ‘EA’. They further refined their design and introduced the improved ‘EB’ model in 1912.
The McDonald ‘EB’ oil tractor offers a fascinating glimpse into the worldwide revolution in automotive and agricultural methods brought about by the introduction of the internal combustion engine powered by oil in the 1870s.
In 1912, Frank William Chilcott acquired the tractor brand new for his farm at Lillesdon Park on French Island in Victoria’s Western Port Bay. It is believed that the tractor was primarily utilized for land clearing purposes, supporting the thriving local chicory cultivation industry that remained prominent on French Island until the mid-1960s.
According to museum curator Ian Coates, what truly stands out about the early tractors manufactured by AH McDonald & Co is the remarkable level of engineering sophistication they displayed. These tractors boasted advanced features such as
- coil ignition,
- a three-speed gearbox,
- and automotive rack-and-pinion steering, which were quite impressive for their time.
“Alf McDonald’s ability to enhance the design of imported American tractors is evident in these innovations,” noted Ian Coates.
The acquisition of the tractor was made possible by an anonymous benefactor who provided support.
Visitors can view the tractor at the National Museum of Australia until July 23, where it will be on display.
