1800s

1886 Benjamin Holt builds his first combined harvester in Stockton, California.
1890 Benjamin Holt builds his first steam traction engine tractor.
1891 C.L. Best begins his career working for his father Daniel Best at the age of 13.
1892 The Holt Manufacturing Company is incorporated.
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This video combines footage of horse-drawn combines from the early 1900s with narration from the 1930s.

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None of these giant Holt steam-powered tractors are known to exist today. This machine, shown pulling a combine, was built to replace teams of horses.

C. L. and Daniel Best next to a horse-drawn combine harvester.
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C. L. and Daniel Best next to a horse-drawn combine harvester.

Employees outside of Benjamin Holt's workshop in Stockton, California.
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Employees outside of Benjamin Holt's workshop in Stockton, California.

This video combines footage of horse-drawn combines from the early 1900s with narration from the 1930s.
None of these giant Holt steam-powered tractors are known to exist today. This machine, shown pulling a combine, was built to replace teams of horses.
C. L. and Daniel Best next to a horse-drawn combine harvester.
Employees outside of Benjamin Holt's workshop in Stockton, California.
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