Garretts became renowned for their steam tractors. Like the Garrett portable engines, their tractors were exported all over the world.
Steam tractors were less powerful, but more versatile, than portable engines. They were developed to do a number of jobs for the farm and for road haulage.
This photograph, taken in New Zealand in 2008, is of a Garrett No.4 single cylinder steam tractor built in 1907. Registration number 26432. The original owners bought the tractor directly from Garretts and shipped it to New Zealand themselves. Most engines were purchased through an agent in New Zealand and so this would have been a large undertaking for the family.
The Garrett 4CD Steam Tractor
The Garrett 4CD became England’s most popular tractor in the early 20th century. The 4CD was the brainchild of designer Emerich Schmach. It is said that he worked out its key principles in only a week. The 4CD went on to become a best seller in the years before the First World war. In total, Garretts made 560 of these engines on this site, here at the Long Shop, in the years 1907-27.
A 4CD number 27886, built in 1909, working at Blythburgh Hall. Photograph reproduced from RA Whitehead, 'Garretts of Leiston'
Princess Marina
Princess Marina is a 4CD Tractor that can be seen in the Long Shop.
Marina was supplied in 1916 to John Abbot of Debenham Hall for haulage and threshing on the farms of Charles Abbott and Son of Sated.
Marina weighs in at a hefty 5.5 tonnes and does a top speed of 5mph. She stands at an impressive 10 ft 1 ins tall with a length of 14 ft 5 ins!
