Melanie
Barkley
Bedford County
meh7@psu.edu
814-623-4800
John
Berry
Lehigh County
jwb15@psu.edu
610-391-9840
Don
Fretts
Fayette County
dcf3@psu.edu
724-438-0111
Stan McKee
Huntingdon County
sam36@psu.edu
814-643-1660
Greg
Strait
Fulton County
gls10@psu.edu
717-485-4111
John
T. Tyson
Mifflin County
jtyson@psu.edu
717-248-9618
Lee
Young
Washington County
ljs32@psu.edu
724-228-6881
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Agricultural
Tractors
by
Melanie Barkley
Bedford County Extension Educator
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Agricultural tractors come in a variety of sizes
and types and should be selected based on their
intended use.
Regardless of the make of tractor that you prefer,
there are several factors that you should consider
before purchasing a new or used tractor.
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Tractor Types and Sizes
Tractors come in narrow and wide front ends. The narrow
front end or "tricycle" tractors are older
models that were produced prior to the 1960's. Wide
front end tractors will provide more stability and cause
less compaction when used on steep slopes. The older
tractors often do not have a roll over protection structure
(ROPS). Newer models come equipped with a ROPS and a
seat belt.
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Tractors are also available in two wheel or four wheel
drive models. The two wheel drive models are typically
less than 150 horse power. Most farms will use a two
wheel drive tractor unless they have large or heavy
machinery or steep hills.
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Tractor Purposes
Tractors are typically used for four main purposes:
- to move or lift loads through the use of a front
end loader (high lift)
- to run another piece of equipment through the use
of a power take off
- to carry another piece of equipment through the
use of a three point hitch
- to transport another piece of equipment through
the use of a drawbar
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Tractor Features or Characteristics
When purchasing a tractor you can evaluate several features
or characteristics that may be useful for you to have for
your operation. Here are a few characteristics you may want
to consider:
Handling Features
Several features can make the tractor handle better under
certain conditions. For steep slopes you may want to be able
to adjust the width of the rear wheels for more stability.
You may also want to consider the ground clearance under the
tractor as well as the weight that is distributed over the
wheels for more traction. You may also want the option of
adding or removing weights for stability: either to the front
end and/or through wheel weights.
Individual brakes for each rear wheel will give you more
steering power in rough terrain. Or, for tight spaces you
may need "turn on a dime" steering.
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Engine
Tractors come in both gas powered and diesel powered models.
Regardless of the fuel source, the tractor should start quickly
and for diesel engines, it should produce very little smoke.
The engine should run smoothly without any strange sounds
when the engine is idling or when it is revved. If the tractor
is used under a variety of situations, you may want the option
of several gear ranges.
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Diesel tractors will be more difficult to start in colder
weather than gas powered tractors. During cold weather, diesel
tractors should be plugged in to an electrical outlet to run
a heater element.
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When buying a used tractor, check for any oil, hydraulic,
or radiator leaks. Be sure to check the oil level on the dipstick
and make sure that the engine oil doesn't appear to contain
any other fluids. You can also check to see that gauges such
as oil pressure and the engine light are in working order.
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size of the engine. Obviously, the tasks that you need to perform
with that tractor will dictate how large the engine should be.
Operations such as small rectangular square baling can be accomplished
with a tractor as small as 35 horse power. As your equipment
increases in size, so will the horse power requirement for running
the equipment. Large 4' round balers require a 45 to 65 hp tractor,
while a 5' round baler may need 70 to 100 hp. Refer to the equipment
user guide manual for recommendations on horsepower. |
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Check the hydraulic
system for any leaks. Be sure to remove any mud that
may hide leaks.
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Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is used to control a three point
hitch, a front end loader or other implements that are
pulled behind the tractor or mounted to the side of
the tractor. When evaluating a hydraulic system, check
to see that the implement moves smoothly and quickly.
A hydraulic system may also be used for a power steering
system. When the tractor is running, check to see that
the steering wheel stays in one place and does not move
when the tractor is sitting still.
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Electrical System
The electrical system is used by the battery to start the
tractor. The tractor should start if the battery is charged.
You can use a voltmeter to check the alternator, which keeps
the battery charged when the tractor is running.. A battery
should read about 12.6 volts when the tractor is not running.
Once the tractor has been started, the votmeter should increase
the reading 1 to 1.5 volts.
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Transmission
The transmission is responsible for changing the gears and
thus the travel speed of the tractor. Just like in your car,
the transmission should shift smoothly between gears. Also
like your car, some tractors have a standard transmission
that is manual and requires a clutch to change gears while
others are automatic with power shift or hydrostatic shift.
These tractors often have a low and high range to the transmission
for a variety of working speeds. Listen for any abnormal sounds
such as whining, grinding, or clicking when evaluating the
transmission.
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Drawbar
The drawbar is the place where you hitch a piece of
equipment to the rear of a tractor. Some tractor models
have a stationary drawbar, while others have an adjustable
drawbar. The adjustable drawbar has the option of moving
forward or backward as well as the option of swinging
to either side of center.
PTO
The PTO or power take off will come in two different
speeds: 540 rpm or 1000 rpm. You will need to refer
to the owners guide manual for the tractor implements
to determine which speed is appropriate.
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The drawbar on this tractor is
adjustable from side to side and forward or backward.
This tractor also has a three point hitch for lifting
various farm implements.
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Safety Features
A ROPS and a seat belt are two very important safety features
to look for on a tractor. Check to see that the ROPS is securely
fastened to the tractor and that is has no dents or cracks.
You can also check to see that the seat belt is securely fastened
and that the latches are working properly.
Another safety feature on some tractor models is a shield
over the PTO linkage. Any equipment that is attached to the
tractor PTO should also include a cover over the PTO shaft
to prevent anything from becoming entangled in the rotating
shaft.
On any tractor, you should evaluate the amount of tread on
the tractor tires. This is very important for traction and
stability in slippery conditions or on steep slopes.
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Conclusions
Regardless of the type of tractor that you are looking for,
you should first consider the job that the tractor is intended
for and then choose the size, type and features that will
allow you to complete that job effectively and efficiently.
And, always be conscious of safety features because of the
many dangers inherent to farming operations.
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This
publication is available in alternative media on request.
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