Do Amish Use Tractors?
Curious about Amish farming practices? A common question arises about Amish farmers: "Do Amish Use Tractors?" or "Can Amish Drive Tractors?"
Like many other questions about the Amish, there is not one simple answer to this question. Some Amish farms use tractors, while the greatest majority do not.
So let's take a deeper look at this subject of Amish and Tractors and discuss why some Amish use tractors and others farm with horse-drawn equipment.
Modern Equipment and the Amish
Years ago, everyone in America used horse-drawn buggies and horse-drawn farm equipment. Back then, the Amish weren't that different from everyone else. But as time went on, modern conveniences were invented, making life easier for people in many ways.
The Amish, however, see modern conveniences as a threat to their way of life. Modern equipment brings with it a faster pace, making it more difficult to live a simple life.
Most of the Amish prefer using a team of horses and non-motorized machinery (similar to the horse-drawn buggies they use). This choice reflects their wish to stay connected to their home and the land.
Amish families work together, and it also helps them to stay more closely knit as a community by supporting and helping each other. It allows them to live more sustainably, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Amish Farming Practices
In many Amish communities, the sight of sturdy draft horses pulling plows or other farming implements is a common part of daily life. These horses, often working in teams, provide the "horsepower" needed for various field tasks, such as plowing, cultivating, and hauling.
The Amish value draft horses for their hard work and dependability, reflecting their commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.
Instead of tractors, the Amish prefer draft horses to uphold tradition and connect with their farming roots and nature. This choice is not just practical but also a cultural commitment to enduring values handed down through generations.
Limited Tractor Use
Some Old Order Amish communities are allowed limited use of steel wheel tractors for high-powered needs.
Rubber tires are associated with modern technology. A rubber tire tractor is also easy to ride off to town with, etc. The hard steel wheels make it more uncomfortable to use a tractor on hard surfaces like roads and discourage its use for general transportation.
Using steel wheel tractors reflects a careful balance between meeting the practical needs of farming and honoring the cultural and religious values of the Amish community.
This article talks about the use of steel wheel tractors around New Holland, PA. It says these tractors are used exclusively by the horse and buggy Mennonites. However, I've seen Amish in the area use them as well.
Amish Use Minimal Technology
While most of the Amish try to limit modern conveniences and technology, some Amish communities permit specific uses of electricity, like solar or generator power, batteries for buggy lights, etc.
They allow some gasoline engines and machinery, power tools, and tractors with steel tires. However, they generally avoid mainstream society's luxuries, such as electricity from public power lines, TVs, computers, and modern tractors.
These are viewed as tempting influences from the "outside world" that might potentially draw the Amish away from their tight-knit community or undermine their strong family bonds.
Concern About Using Tractors
Part of the problem with modern tractors is their similarity to cars. The concern for the Amish is that once someone becomes comfortable driving a tractor, it's not a big leap to being comfortable behind the wheel of a car.
Do Some Amish Use Tractors?
Yes, some Amish use tractors for farming, as well as running to town at times.
The New Order Amish are allowed to own rubber tire tractors and use them to farm. In some places, such as Holmes County, Ohio, it's common to see Amish people riding to town on a tractor.
New Order Amish
The New Order Amish are the most progressive horse and buggy Amish. I grew up New Order Amish in the Lancaster County area. We were allowed to use electricity from the public grid, farmed with tractors, and had telephones in our homes.
Even though not all the New Order groups use public electricity, as far as I know, all New Order Amish are allowed to own modern rubber tire tractors. (Read more about the Differences Between New Order and Old Order Amish here.)
Amish Churches
There's a big difference in Amish churches. The local bishop and leaders decide the church rules, and the Amish members all have to agree to obey the rules or go elsewhere.
The Lancaster County Amish are all pretty similar, but in most other areas there is a lot of diversity among the Amish. So while some Amish use modern tractors and some use steel wheel tractors, stricter Amish are forbidden to use any tractors or gas-powered engines whatsoever.
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