Orsi tractors, steeped in history and character, stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era in agriculture. These vintage machines, produced by the esteemed Italian company, Orsi, tell a tale of innovation, hard work, and the evolution of farming practices.

The story of the factory dates back to 1881, in Tortona (Alessandria), where Pietro Orsi opens a a hardware store, with a blacksmith’s forge attached. The first agricultural machine is being produced in 1902, a straw presser, but we have to wait till 1930 to see the first Orsi tractor, powered by an orizontal mono cylinder “testacalda”.

Orsi tractors embody a simplicity and ruggedness that characterized the agricultural landscape of their time. Built with sturdy frames and basic mechanical components, these tractors were designed to withstand the demands of a manual and labor-intensive farming environment. With their distinctive appearance and a timeless charm, they evoke a sense of nostalgia among enthusiasts and farmers alike.

The engines of old Orsi tractors were marvels of engineering for their time. These machines were powered by reliable and robust engines that, despite their simplicity, were capable of delivering the necessary horsepower to perform various tasks on the farm. The sound of the engine and the rhythmic hum of the tractor in motion became synonymous with the daily toil of agricultural life.

One of the notable features of old Orsi tractors was their versatility. These tractors were designed to handle a range of tasks, from plowing and planting to harvesting. Their adaptability made them indispensable on family farms, where a single tractor had to serve multiple purposes throughout the agricultural cycle. This versatility contributed to the widespread popularity and adoption of Orsi tractors during their heyday.

The durability of old Orsi tractors is a testament to the craftsmanship of their time. Many of these machines, when properly maintained, have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished by collectors and vintage tractor enthusiasts. The sight of a well-preserved old Orsi tractor rolling across a field serves as a living tribute to the enduring quality of these agricultural workhorses.

While modern farming has embraced advanced technologies and sophisticated machinery, old Orsi tractors remain an integral part of agricultural heritage. They symbolize an era when farming required a deep connection between the farmer and the land, relying on the simplicity and reliability of machinery like the Orsi tractor.

After a number of transformation, Orsi closed their activity in 1964.

Orsi tractors hold a special place in the history of agriculture. They represent an era of hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, these vintage machines serve as a reminder of the roots and traditions that have shaped the farming industry, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past.


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It has been more than fifty years since I began traveling across the world — and the seven seas — for work or for pleasure, always with a Leica M camera close at hand. The camera has never been an accessory; it has been a constant companion, a way of observing, remembering, and making sense of the places and people I encountered along the way. I started keeping this kind of journal some time ago, not as a diary in the traditional sense, but as a space where images and words could meet. This is not a publication driven by schedules or algorithms. At times I disappear for long stretches; then, inevitably, I return with semi-regular updates. Publishing, for me, is a mirror of my state of mind and emotions. It follows my rhythm, not the other way around. You have to take it exactly as it comes. Every photograph you see here is mine. They are fragments of a life spent moving, looking, and waiting for moments to reveal themselves — often quietly, sometimes unexpectedly. This blog is not about destinations, but about presence. About what remains when the journey slows down and the shutter finally clicks.

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