List of Important Tractor's Parts – Meaning and Functions
Table of Content
Introduction
Tractors are the leading power source in agricultural operations. This is why farmers choose different tractors and agricultural machinery for their farms. However, do you know about the key parts of a tractor? What are the main functions of these tractor components? If you are unclear about these subjects, read this article to learn about agriculture tractor parts and their primary functions. It is going to assist farmers in choosing suitable tractors for their farmlands.
These four-wheeled machines are a must for modern farmers. Understanding their functioning is vital as they are made of several tractor auto parts. We have listed the most important tractor parts name and images to help farmers understand their working mechanisms.
Main Components of a Tractor
Before buying any tractor, farmers must have information on tractor all parts name and their uses. Go through the following tractor parts name list to understand their key functions:
Engine
The engine is the heart of the tractor, responsible for providing power to the vehicle. It converts fuel into mechanical energy, which is then used to move the tractor and its attachments. Tractor engine parts make it start and keep it running. The engine is placed at the front of the farm vehicle, usually under a cover that is made to protect it from dirt and other things that could damage it.
The engine has many tractor parts inside, including pistons, cam shaft, crank shaft, and valves (to name just a few). These tractor parts work together to create power for the vehicle so that farmers can use it to work on your farm. This power is transmitted to the PTO and wheel with the help of transmission tractor parts. The combustion occurs inside the engine cylinders in internal combustion engines.
Powertrain
The primary function of the tractor powertrain is to transfer power from the tractor engine parts to the hydraulic pump, PTO and wheels. It also allows the operator to select the speed ratio and disconnect clutches for PTO drives and wheels.
The transmission tractor parts are responsible for controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle. It helps regulate the engine's power output and ensures the tractor moves smoothly and efficiently.
The transmission tractor parts transfer power from the engine to the wheels by using gears, which are connected in such a way that they can change their speed without slowing down or stopping the vehicle. It allows farmers to control how fast their vehicle goes and their direction. This is why farmers must be familiar with all transmission parts names. Following are the key tractor parts of its drivetrain:
Clutch
A clutch is among the most important tractor parts as it is used to change gears. It helps in engaging and disengaging power from the tractor’s engine to its transmission. These tractor parts transfer power through friction between driven members and driving members. An ideal clutch disconnects the engine from the transmission for suitable cranking. When the engine has started, the clutch transmits power to the gearbox.
The gearbox has to remain free from the engine power for changing gears. Gear teeth must be safeguarded at all costs. A clutch is among those crucial tractor parts to ensure perfect gear engagement. The essential characteristics of these tractor parts include:
- Ability to take load without chatter and drag
- Adequate facility to transmit the maximum amount of power without slippage
- High resistance to the extreme heat effect
Gearbox
It is one of those tractor parts that help in changing the input drive speed to a higher or lower output speed. Farmers can select a set of different numbers of gear teeth to obtain a suitable gear ratio. The acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle are possible via transmission and meshing between gear tractor parts. A tractor needs high torque to move from a stationary position. As the heavy torque is transmitted constantly, top-quality lubricants are used.
In the absence of tractor parts in the tractor gear system, the tractor’s engine will stall at once. A peak torque value is generated at a particular RPM. The gearbox helps produce effective torque levels across a broader speed and RPM range. The tractor speed varies based on the field requirements. For this purpose, several gear ratios are available to suit the ever-changing conditions. The gearbox parts name list has the following tractor parts:
- Countershaft
- Output shaft
- Input shaft
- Gear shifting lever
- Gear housing
Axle
The axle supports the weight of the vehicle and rotates its wheels. It is one of the most important tractor parts as an axle controls the power propelling the wheels. The front axle is attached to the front end of the tractor. The axles and wheels of a tractor provide the necessary support and stability for the vehicle. They allow the tractor to move over rough terrain and provide traction for pulling heavy loads.
These tractor parts help steer the vehicle left or right. The front axle assists in the following:
- Supporting the front part’s weight of the tractor
- Absorbing torque on it produced because of braking
- Absorbing shocks because of surface irregularities
- Facilitating steering on and off the field
On the other hand, the rear axle transmits power from the differential to the wheels. These tractor parts are mounted on the rear wheels of the vehicle. The rear axle shaft is enclosed within a rear axle housing to drive the differential and wheels and offer movement between wheels whenever required.
Differential
Differential unit is among the most significant tractor parts that allow the vehicle tractor to travel at a constant rate. When the tractor turns, its inner wheel travels less than its outer wheel. It means that the inner wheel needs lesser power compared to the outer wheel. Using the differential unit, one rear wheel can rotate faster or slower than the other.
Thus, the purpose of these tractor parts is to permit power to flow to the drive axle continuously. In addition, the differential keeps the tractor moving at a constant rate. Lastly, using these tractor parts, two wheels can vary their number of rotations. The differential unit consists of the following tractor parts:
- Bevel gear
- Differential pinion
- Differential casing
- Half cast
- Crown wheel
Brakes
Brakes consist of those tractor parts that can slow down or stop the vehicle's motion. They are placed on the driving axle and are managed by 2 independent pedals. These pedals operate independently to help in turning the tractor on and off the field. When a tractor moves, having tractor parts and a mechanism to stop the vehicle becomes essential.
For this purpose, a braking system is provided in a tractor. These brakes are available in different options, like oil-immersed or dry disc brakes. The braking system needs to function without fail for operator safety and improved field performance. The braking system is based on the principle of friction. A moving part is brought into contact with a stationary component to stop the motion moving part.
Power Take-Off (PTO)
Power take-off (PTO) is necessary for diverse kinds of farm operations. These tractor parts transfer the mechanical power of the engine to other equipment. It means that power is transmitted to equipment with no power source of its own. With the help of these tractor parts, a tractor can perform several farm activities like threshing, spraying, ploughing and pumping water. A PTO shaft supplies mechanical energy between tractors and implements. Following are the PTO types available on tractors:
- Live PTO: This PTO type has a two-stage clutch attached to the PTO shaft. A farmer does not have to change gears to drive the tractor in reverse or forward direction. When the clutch is pressed halfway, the transmission stops. However, the PTO continues to spin with a load. PTO stops only when the clutch is fully pressed.
- Economy PTO: This PTO type permits the power take-off to operate at 540 RPM, but the engine RPM is lower than the standard engine speed. Due to this feature, there is less noise, fewer vibrations and more fuel saving.
- Independent PTO: An independent/separate clutch controls the PTO shaft. An IPTO is of two types, namely, hydraulic and mechanical.
- Reverse PTO: This PTO type can turn in the opposite direction with the help of a button or lever. It helps to move the implement if it gets stuck in muddy soil conditions.
Tractor Tyres
Tyres offer traction on the ground and transfer loads from the axle to the surface. These tractor parts provide the maximum braking force on the ground. The braking will be inefficient if the tyres are damaged, worn, or at incorrect inflation pressure. In addition, these tractor parts cushion the vehicle in the case of surface irregularities by absorbing shock loads. They are made of high-density compounds so that they can be wear resistant.
Tractor tyres have a large contact area with the surface because of their large diameter. Due to this, these tractor parts offer more friction and, thus, less slippage. They increase productivity and efficiency in the field by preventing getting stuck in loose terrain or wet mud. The rear tyres are larger than the front ones. It is mainly because larger rear tyres offer:
- Improved grip or traction with the surface
- Enhanced visibility in the front
- Greater pulling power
- Deeper treads to easily move over uneven terrain
- Better weight distribution
Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is a key component of an agriculture tractor. Its tractor parts provide power for many functions, including steering and braking. The hydraulic system makes use of pressurized fluid to transfer energy from one point to another. The fluid passes through hoses and tubes connected to various tractor parts of the chassis.
The tractor parts of this system help lower, hold or raise semi-mounted or mounted equipment using hydraulics. A hydraulic control system is provided to operate the three-point hitch of the vehicle. This system works per Pascal’s law which states that enclosed fluid transmits applied pressure in all directions equally.
The oil reservoir supplies oil to the hydraulic pump to be sent to the control valve. The hydraulic cylinder receives the oil for operating the piston. Due to this operation, lifting arms attached to the tractor implements are raised. The tractor parts of the hydraulic system include:
- Lifting arms
- Hose pipe & fittings
- Safety valve
- Control valve
- Hydraulic tank
- Hydraulic cylinder & piston
- Hydraulic pump
Cab
The cab is the enclosed space where the operator sits while driving the tractor. It provides protection from extreme weather conditions, vibrations, noise and hazardous materials. It helps to reduce operator fatigue. Cabs protect operators from seasonal insects, dangerous bees and pesky mosquitos. They can have tractor parts to install a heater and air conditioner in the interior. It keeps the operator warm in the winter season and cools during the summer season.
Tips on Choosing the Right Tractor
We hope you now know about different tractor parts names and understand the role of different tractor parts. Check the quality and specifications of these tractor parts while purchasing a tractor. If the size of your farm is huge, you will need a tractor with a big engine that can produce more horsepower. The engine generates the power output of the tractor and determines what kind of operations it can manage.
Another key component is the hydraulic system. If your farm operations involve a lot of lifting and turning, you need a tractor with optimal hydraulic functioning. Ensure that its lift capacity allows you to perform your farm applications easily.
It is important to check the safety and comfort of tractor parts as you can spend most of the day on the vehicle. Lastly, consider your budget and tractor parts price to decide if buying a new tractor will generate a great return on investment. If not, you can always go for a second-hand tractor.
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