What started in 1933 as a simple blacksmith shop has developed into one of the world’s leading agricultural manufacturing companies today.
Nichols Tillage Tools began as “Nichols Shop” in Simla, Colorado. During World War II, the country’s steel supply was diverted to support the military efforts of the United States and its allies. As a result, farmers in need of parts had to turn to their local blacksmith for repairs and replacement fabrication using scrap metal. With this experience and with raw steel once again available, Nichols Shop began manufacturing implements and supplying farmers at a regional level. Business grew, and in 1957 the shop incorporated to become Nichols Tillage Tools, Inc.
The company thrived in Simla and quickly established a longstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the industry. In the late 1970s, however, the Rock Island Railroad, which operated the line going through Simla that supplied Nichols with raw steel, went bankrupt and closed the rail line. Ultimately, the company was relocated to Sterling, Colorado, where it remains today.
Over the years, Nichols Tillage Tools has been a leading innovator in the agriculture industry and beyond. Some examples include…
- In 1983, Nichols released its QuickChange system. Unlike the competition, Nichols made machine-specific brackets, allowing the same sweeps to fit on multiple different machines with the bracket itself serving as an adapter. The Nichols QuickChange system soon became the industry standard.
- In 1986, Nichols created the Ultrawing sweep. With an elongated nose, curved convex wings, and optimal crown configuration, the sweep’s design anticipates wear and maintains its shape over the life of the part. The Nichols Ultrawing has since been imitated by every other manufacturer, a true testament to its ingenuity.
- In 1995, Nichols developed heel sweeps, allowing farmers to both chisel and sweep at the same time.
- In the late 1990s, Nichols began manufacturing sod blades. Nichols soon became the industry standard in turf cutting.
- In the early 2000s, Nichols released the Soil Slitter, a narrow-stem QuickChange sweep that allows direct seeding, minor sweeping, and low-till opening all at the same time.
- By the mid-2000s, Nichols successfully pioneered robotic welding and hardfacing of implements.
- In 2018, Nichols ventured into hay and forage, manufacturing a now growing line of mower discs, rock guards, and related wear pieces.
- In 2023, Nichols introduced its MAX chisel line, increasing material thickness by 50%.
Made in the USA, With USA Steel.