Steiger Part 1, 4WD Tractor Pioneers

Director: Publisher: Run-time: Date:	Peter D. Simpson Toy Farmer 60 minutes 2006
Manufacturers:	Steiger
Models:	Steiger 1250, 1700, 2200, 3300. Steiger series I through IV. Allis 440. IH 4366
Data:	Video of seeding and tillage. Interviews and historical perspectives. Current usage of Steiger tractors.

In the winter of 1957, Maurice and Doug Steiger built a four-wheel drive tractor on the family farm. Ten years later this off-season project had grown into a full-time manufacturing company. Steiger's quality made the firm a leader in the four-wheel drive market and it remains there today as a division of CNH Global. Co-founder Doug Steiger opens the film, recalling the early days on the farm and driving his father's Farmall F-20. Mr. Steiger describes their first look at a Wagner, discussions with their bankers, and the decision to try and built their own tractor.

4WD Tractor Pioneers: Steiger (part 1) traces the history of Steiger from that first winter on the farm through the present day. There are interviews with key individuals such as Doug Steiger, Earl Christanson (the first Steiger salesman), Gene Dahl (former CEO) and Jack Johnson (former president). Present day owners of Steiger tractors testify to their utility and longevity. Kent Doerfler explains the operations at their seed farm with a fleet of 28 Steigers that once included eleven of the big 525 horsepower Tiger IVs.

The Steiger family story is a classic of American farming and business. 4WD Tractor Pioneers: Steiger (part 1) tells this story first-hand, from the people who lived it. Interviews and extensive footage of these machines in operation is accompanied by historical footage, including an original Series III promotion film. The movie is a great for anyone interested in four-wheel drive tractors, and Steiger in particular. Although the first of a two Steiger movies from Simpson and Toy Farmer, the film quite easily stands on its own as a history of Steiger.

Peter D. Simpson, the video's producer and author of several tractor books, welcomes your feedback at peterffa@dsl.pipex.com.

Disclosure: Toy Farmer provided TractorData LLC with a review copy of the Steiger Part 1, 4WD Tractor Pioneers DVD.