Parrett Tractors & Lineup

The Parrett Tractor Company holds a unique place in the history of American agricultural machinery as a pioneering yet short-lived manufacturer. Founded in 1913 in Ottawa, Illinois, by brothers Henry and Dent Parrett, the company quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs. In 1915, the Parretts relocated their operations to Chicago, where they achieved significant success with the introduction of the Model H 12-25 tractor. This model stood out for its robust design and performance, capturing the attention of industry leaders. Notably, the Canadian branch of Massey-Harris licensed the Parrett design and produced their versions, known as Models 1, 2, and 3, demonstrating the Parrett tractor's influence and appeal. However, the company's fortunes shifted dramatically with the arrival of the Fordson tractor, which dramatically altered the market landscape by drastically reducing tractor prices. Unable to compete in this new price-sensitive environment and facing the cancellation of their licensing agreement with Massey-Harris, Parrett ceased production in 1923. Dent Parrett, who had left the company in 1920, continued his contributions to the industry by designing tractors for other firms. The Parrett name resurfaced briefly in the mid-1930s when Dent designed a new tractor model built by the Ross Carrier Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan, showcasing his enduring impact on tractor design.