BY PAUL WALLEM 

 

During the early 1970s, large 4WD tractors were not yet popular in our dealership’s area of Northern Illinois. We had the IH franchise, and sold a few International 4WD 4156 models.

When IH contracted with Steiger Tractor in 1973 to build their articulated 4366 (163 drawbar HP), other manufacturers were also marketing similar models. We started having a demand for the IH Steiger-built 4586 (228 DBHP).

By 1976, the green Steigers became popular, as Steiger established their own dealers. By that time there were over 100 Steiger dealers nationwide and increasing rapidly. We became a Steiger dealer in the early 1980s, in addition to our IH franchise.

Prior to obtaining the Steiger franchise, we had consistently stocked and sold the IH 4366 and 4586. We had also spent a year representing Big Bud, but it was just too big and expensive for our customer base. Steiger kept appearing in more fields around us, and once we put them on our lot they sold quickly. What surprised us at the time was that we sold some Tiger IIIST - 450 models. By the mid-1980s, some growers had added enough land to need more horsepower.

Steiger company history

Douglas and Maurice Steiger built the first Steiger tractor in their barn near Thief River Falls, Minn. It was 1957. That tractor, serial #1, appealed to neighboring farmers so they built seven more. Between 1963 and 1968 word spread about their powerful new four-wheel drive. During those years the family introduced three new models.

In 1969, the Steiger family sold 52 percent of their tractor business to an investment group that moved the company to Fargo, N.D. By this time, 26 employees were involved. By 1970, a network of 66 Steiger dealers had been established throughout the U.S.

Another move was decided in 1972. The company moved into a larger facility that included engineering and test facilities.

In 1975, a new 420,000-square-foot manufacturing facility was completed in Fargo, and by this time the dealer network had grown to 174. The series III Steiger was announced in 1976, as the company kept growing to keep up with demand. An Australian subsidiary was also established that year.

In 1982, the Panther 1000 series was announced with 12-speed power shift, electric controls and a more deluxe cab. The Tiger KP Series IV came the following year with 525 HP. By 1985, Steiger again expanded the lineup with the Cougar 1000 series.

By January 1986, the Puma 1000 came off the line. It was the first Steiger built with a steerable front axle and articulated steering, making maneuvering in row crops with a large tractor possible. In the same year a new 12-speed power shift was installed on all models.

Tenneco Corp. purchased Steiger Tractor Inc. and merged the assets with the newly structured J.I. Case Co. in 1986. In December of that year, the first red 9100 Series Steiger tractor came off the production line. (Green Pumas, Bearcats, Cougars, Tigers and Lions continued till 1989).

In July 1989, production of all models became red and carried the 9100 series identification.

In 1995, the 9300 Series was unveiled. They once again carried the proud STEIGER name. Today, Case IH manufactures Steiger tractors (all painted red), which are the largest of the company’s tractors.

Heritage Iron Magazine recently reported the formation of Steiger Heritage Club. In July 2022 it became a 501c3 corporation, with the stated intent to “Share and Preserve the History of Steiger Tractor.”

Those that formed the club did so to provide a resource for the education and information sharing of Steiger tractor owners.

Events involving Steiger tractors are listed on the club website www.steigerheritageeclub.com. Interested parties can view a photo history of Steiger, and can join the organization.

The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion is held every Labor Day weekend in Rollag, Minn. The Mark Yaggie Steiger Heritage Hall is located there and features “barn built” and many other unique Steigers.

Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He was active in 4-H and FFA. He spent 13 years with corporate IH in domestic and foreign assignments, then resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. Email your comments to pwallem@aol.com.