This image depicts a Fowler ploughing engine in the process of cultivating a field. At the other end of the field will be its companion, a similar unit but with reverse winding mechanism. One engine would pull the cultivator the full length of the field attached to a piece of rope of suitable length whilst the other engine would be put into idle gear. When the cultivator had reached its working destination, it would be turned round and pulled back to the other end of the field by the companion engine. This process would continue until the field had been fully worked. With typical gearing down of the winding drum, massive loads could be pulled even though an engine developing only 12hp was typical. Although the work and time saved by this principal increased the efficiency of farming by a great amount, it wasn't long before independent tractor units were to be employed saving fuel and time.
