The Sheppard diesel tractor was introduced in January 1949 at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA. It was different than most tractors announced around this time because it was a full line of three tractors ranging from 1 to 3-plow in size and included diesel engines built in-house by the manufacturer. The SD-1 was rated for a single 12" plow, the SD-2 for two 14" plows, and the SD-3 for three 14" plows.

The tractors were promoted based on three principal items: simplicity, economy, and power. An early company statement said, "All three tractors are powered with Sheppard diesel engines which are so designed as to enable the average mechanic to handle servicing and overhauling of the engine with the tools he would normally have on hand in his shop." The ability to run on many different types of fuel was also promoted. It was claimed that a Sheppard diesel would use only half the amount of a fuel that cost half as much as gasoline, and therefore could be operated at 1/4 the cost of a comparable gasoline-powered tractor.

A full line of implements was available, either Sheppard-designed or Sheppard-built from vendor supplied components. In addition many other manufacturer's implements could be used on Sheppard tractors.

In 1954, a line of industrial tractors was introduced based on the SD-2 and SD-3 farm tractors. Both a standard and a heavy-duty model was available in each size and the SD-3 was available with an optional heavy-duty large-bore engine.

Also in 1954, the SD-4 was introduced. This was the largest Sheppard tractor and included several innovations. The most important of these was a Sheppard-designed and built power steering unit. The power steering unit was later applied to heavy-duty trucks and eventually became the primary product of the company.

By the mid-1950's the tractor industry was in a recession and competition was growing from the major manufacturers. In addition, the sales of power steering gears were increasing and the decision was made to get out of the tractor business. The last new tractors were built in 1956 and in 1963 the manufacturing facilities were rearranged for the sole production of power steering gears.

Model List price Cylinders BHP Transmission Displacement SD-1 $1,095 1 4 3-speed 28 cubic inches SD-2 $2,695 2 24 4-speed* 126 cubic inches SD-3 $2,995 3 32 4-speed* 188 cubic inches (200 optional) SD-4 $4,147 4 51 10-speed** 318 cubic inches * An optional under/over-drive auxiliary transmission was available for the SD-2 and SD-3 which gave 8 speeds. ** A torque converter was optional on the SD-4.

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