1905 LaFrance/ALF steam pumping engine - 1916 Front Drive Motor Co. Tractor.

1,100 GPM. Baltimore.  

As internal-combustion engines began to prove their merit and horses were on the way out to pasture, fire chiefs began looking for ways to conserve the lives of the old steamers.  A "boiler engine" was an expensive investment and one which had to be protected.

In 1912, Walter Christie invented a four-cylinder front wheel drive tractor that could be attached to the front end of a chassis.  This was the answer to the problem.  The horses were replaced by the "Christies", and the steamers were kept in service for another five to twenty years.  Other manufacturers such as American LaFrance and Seagrave made similar tractors. 

On loan by Baltimore City F. D.  VehicleNo. 16.  On display at The Fire Museum of Baltimore.