Fiat Trattori introduced the Model 702 agricultural tractor in Turin in 1919, the company’s first purpose-built farm machine. Designed primarily for off-furrow ploughing but also suited to transport work, the 702 achieved considerable commercial success in Italy and was exported to South America and France.
Design and Features
Early models featured green or grey bodywork, metal wheels without pneumatic tyres, and crank-start ignition. The engine derived from a commercial truck used during the First World War, adapted for agricultural work. The machine combined ploughing capability with transport functionality, addressing the dual needs of contemporary farming.
Market Strategy and Adoption
Fiat’s sales and technical staff conducted demonstration tours throughout Italy, showcasing the tractor’s capabilities in ploughing and agricultural product transport. This field-based marketing approach proved effective, establishing the 702 as a viable farming solution across the Italian peninsula and generating international interest that led to exports to South America and France.
Frequently asked questions
What was the primary use of the Fiat 702?
The tractor was designed chiefly for off-furrow ploughing, though it was also capable of transporting agricultural products.
Where was the Fiat 702 produced and exported?
It was manufactured in Turin and exported to South America and France in addition to achieving strong domestic sales throughout Italy.
What engine powered the 702?
The tractor used a motor derived from a commercial truck that had seen service during the First World War.