Engineer’s Genius Launched Diverse Frick Line

By Bill Vossler
Published on August 26, 2009
1 / 5
American Thresherman ran an ad for this Frick steam traction engine in 1906. Frick sold steam traction engines into the 1920s, when it was obvious to many that tractors were the wave of the future.
American Thresherman ran an ad for this Frick steam traction engine in 1906. Frick sold steam traction engines into the 1920s, when it was obvious to many that tractors were the wave of the future.
2 / 5
This early advertisement touts the Frick sawmill as well as the Frick tractor, selling the pieces as a pair.
This early advertisement touts the Frick sawmill as well as the Frick tractor, selling the pieces as a pair.
3 / 5
A “farmerette” driving a Frick tractor pulling a 3-gang Oliver plow during a plowing contest in about 1918.
A “farmerette” driving a Frick tractor pulling a 3-gang Oliver plow during a plowing contest in about 1918.
4 / 5
The Frick 12-25 tractor could run on kerosene or gasoline.
The Frick 12-25 tractor could run on kerosene or gasoline.
5 / 5
An ad showing the Frick 15-28 tractor and Frick separator.
An ad showing the Frick 15-28 tractor and Frick separator.

George Frick thought big.

In Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines, author Jack Norbeck writes, “An engineering genius, George Frick undertook to ease the labor of men and animals with power machinery. He became a pioneer builder of four essential kinds of equipment: steam engines, grain threshers, sawmills and refrigerating systems.” Tractors, too.

George Frick built his first grain thresher in 1843, and began manufacturing units for sale to the public in 1848, forming Frick Co., Waynesboro, Pa., five years later. In 1850 he built his first steam engine; sales remained strong into the 1870s. Frick started making sawmills in 1875 and refrigeration units in 1882.

In 1896, he built a refrigerating machine (said to be the largest in the world) for Armour & Co. The 59-foot-long steam engine’s cylinder had a 48-by-59-inch bore and stroke. For 35 years, running night and day, the machine remained in operation, creating 350 tons of ice every 24 hours.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388