Westinghouse Farm Engine

The Westinghouse Farm Engine was a small, vertical-boiler steam engine built by the Westinghouse Company that emerged in the late 19th century. In the transition from horses to machinery, small portable engines were hauled by horses from farm to farm to give power where it was needed. It provided power to agricultural machines such as sawmills, threshing machines, and corn shellers.[1] Many small workshops used them as well.

A Westinghouse Farm Engine from 1890

The farm engine was invented by George Westinghouse. Near the end of 1865, he created a rotary steam engine: the Westinghouse Farm Engine.[2] He invented the engine at age 21.[3] As a sideline to the airbrake products, Westinghouse made these horse-drawn, vertical-boiler, and horizontal-cylinder engines. The cylinder, steam chest, cross-head guide, and the boxes for the crankshaft bearings were all cast in a single piece to assure mechanical exactness and perfect alignment of piston and crank.[4] The engine was made of brass and steel.[5] The machine helped American farms transition from horse to machines.[6] It came in 6, 10, and 15 horsepower sizes. The Westinghouse Farm engine was said to have a short, quick stroke to make it lighter. This design helped to make sure that the engine did not rollover.[4] The engines were equipped with Adjustable Governor, Pop Safety Valve, Steam Gauge, Feed Water Heater, Direct Acting Pump, Whistle, Blower, Brake, and a full supply of wrenches and fire tools. This helped keep the engine efficient, durable, and convenient.[4] The engines were produced from 1886 to 1917 when they were superseded by larger, standard farm engines. Many engines of this make were sent to South America where they were popular.

For a time Henry Ford worked for the Westinghouse Company as a mechanic for their farm engines and used one on his farm. One is featured at his museum in Dearborn, Michigan.