In 1898 Saunderson demonstrated a "Self Moving Vehicle" at a trial organised at the Royal Show which it unfortunately failed to complete because of engine failure. It was priced at £250 but it is not known if any were sold. However, by the early 1900's production of 3 wheeled multi purpose tractors was proceeding and by 1910 4-wheeled models joined the range. Some of these were powered by Crossley engines. By the start of the Great War, conventional tractors were being produced just in time for the sales boom caused by the wartime labour shortage. For a short time, Saunderson was Britain's biggest tractor makers. This success was not to last as the 1920's agricultural slump hit sales of all tractor manufacturers, and so in 1924 Saunderson was looking for a buyer.