Not only did Cyrus McCormick develop a mechanical reaper in 1831, he made a fortune with it because of his mass-production methods and business talents. McCormick's reaper was an extension of work his father had done over the years. Learning that Obed Hussey had patented a reaper in 1833, McCormick speeded up his own patent efforts. McCormick and Hussey reapers met in hundreds of competitions, with the results inconclusive. McCormick won, however, in the marketplace. He moved his operation to Chicago in 1849, where he built an automated, steam-powered factory. He also initiated modern sales methods, installment buying, and spare-parts and repair departments.