Tractors Key Terms

Rev up your engine and review some tractor terms

Tractors are not only found in green and garner the name John Deere on the side. There are so many more options, which can help you in your agricultural needs. You should brush up on key terminology so you're well-informed when selecting your ground-breaking machinery. Should you invest in a tractor that has a three-point hitch? Why type of hydraulics should you consider? By doing a little research and checking on some terminology, you'll be ready to plow to your heart's content.

Drawbar

This horizontal bar is attached at the rear of the tractor and is mainly used for dragging or towing items. Those items could be other machinery, or it could be a wagon full of people along for a hayride. The bar can be attached at a fixed height or at a varied height with the assistance of a three-point hitch.
HOSTA task sheet to learn about the drawbar and how it's used with tractors and other towing vehicles.

Three-point hitch

This is a popular mechanism for attaching implements to tractors. The three different categories refer to the size of the collecting pins and the strength of the components. Category 0 is the smallest and is seen on smaller tractors. Category 3 is the largest and is found on larger agricultural equipment.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics is a system of pressurized oil that allows the raising and lowering of the three-point hitch. It can also help operate attached or towed machinery that has hydraulic pistons or cylinders.

Loader

The loader is a bucket attachment placed on the front of the tractor. This piece of machinery uses hydraulic lifts. Smaller loaders are used for snow or manure removal while larger loaders can dig up soil.
National Ag Safety Database.

Power take-off

The power take-off (PTO) is part of the drive train that allows power to be transferred mechanically to other machinery. This is done through a removable drive shaft. It was originally developed so you could power up a device while the tractor's transmission was declutched.
Small Tractor and scroll down the page to learn about live and semi-live power take-offs.

Weights

Weights are typically ballasts added to a tractor to improve the machinery's balance, traction, stability or digging force. Whether added to the tires, attached to the rear of the tractor or placed in the cab, they're essential if the tractor is used in treacherous conditions.
University of Illinois Extension.

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