Tractor - A Necessity to India’s Agriculture: Uses, Types and Functions

Table of Contents

• What is a Tractor?
• Uses of Tractors in Agriculture
• Classification of Tractors

• • Based on Manufacturing
  • Based on the Drive Type
  • Based on Purpose

• Different Types of Tractors in India
• How to Choose the Right Tractor for Your Farm?

What is a Tractor?

The term “Tractor” is derived from two words – Traction and Motor. It is a self-propelled agricultural machine used for pulling or pushing heavy loads for different farming tasks. It is used for traction in the agricultural field. It consists of an engine, a gearbox, wheels, steering, 3-point linkage system, etc. There are various implements that are attached to a tractor, such as a rotavator, cultivator, trolley, thresher, etc. Some of the implements require the PTO power of a tractor.

Uses of Tractors in Agriculture

The uses of a tractor vary according to the farming requirements. There are various tractor uses, such as tilling, sowing, ploughing, harvesting, harrowing and landscaping.

Classification of Tractors

There are three categories of tractors: type of drive, manufacturing, and purpose. Let’s have a look at each of the following classifications.

Based on Manufacturing

Riding Tractors: The tractors in which a driver can sit and drive accordingly are known as riding tractors. These are the most commonly used tractors in India.

Walking Tractors: These tractors are movable, and the person can move along. Power tillers are the best example of these types of tractors.

Based on the Drive Type

Track-type Tractors: Track-type tractors run on tracks instead of wheels. There is no steering gear attached to these tractors; they are steered with the help of the brake application to one side of the track while the other track moves. These are not available in India and are used in other countries. These are used for bulldozing.

Wheel-type Tractors: In India, only wheel-type tractors are used for various farming purposes. These tractors have wheels to run and perform all the agricultural work. These are further classified as 2-wheel tractors and 4-wheel tractors. Let’s have a look.

• Two-wheel Tractors: The tractors with two wheels are called power tillers. They are used for small farms, gardening, orchards, and hilly areas.
• Four-wheel Tractors: These tractors have four wheels and are mostly used tractors for farming. These are multi-purpose tractors divided based on power; for example, 15-25 HP tractors are small tractors, 25-45 HP tractors are medium tractors, and tractors more than 45 HP are large tractors.

Based on Purpose

• Utility Tractors: These tractors are designed for specific purposes, such as ploughing and pulling heavy implements. These tractors range from 45 HP and more. These mid-heavy tractors are good for farmers who do not want to invest that much in the tractor.
• Multi-purpose Tractors: These multi-purpose tractors have three-point linkage to attach various implements and attachments. They are used for all the basic to heavy farming operations like ploughing, harrowing, levelling, pulling, seed drills, operating threshers, and pumps through its P.T.O. These are the most common tractors in India.
• Orchard Tractors: These tractors are also called compact tractors. These mini tractors are often used in orchards, vineyards and small farms. These tractors are below the 30 HP range. They are built at high heights so the driver can perform all the tasks sitting on a seat.
• Power Tillers: These are two-wheel walking-type tractors mostly used in small spaces, hilly areas, or areas at different levels where ordinary tractors cannot work efficiently. These are also used in rice fields.
• Earth-moving Tractors: These are the heaviest tractors among all the tractors. These are available in both tyre and track types. These tractors are used to construct dams, quarries, and other construction works.

Different Types of Tractors in India

In India, farmers have often categorized these tractors as 2WD tractors, 4WD tractors, Mini tractors and AC Cabin tractors.  Let’s understand each of these tractor types:

2WD Tractors: In 2WD tractors, only two wheels are powered by engine and the rest two wheels are parts of the steering system. These are comparatively lighter and cost-effective than 4WD tractors and are often used in light soil for sowing seeds, applying fertilizers and pesticides, etc.

4WD Tractors: These are heavy-duty tractors and distributes equal power to all four wheels. They can run over uneven terrains and muddy fields with ease. They are also suitable for heavy activities such as puddling due to lower slippage.

Mini Tractors: These tractors are small sized tractors used in small spaces like orchards and vineyards. These are generally below 40 HP range. They are designed with narrow track width which makes easier to use in the orchards and vineyards as well as inter-cultivation operations.

AC Cabin Tractors: The AC Cabin tractors are designed with an AC cabin for the driver’s comfort. Apart from agriculture, these tractors are also used in construction work, mines, bulldozing and loading. These are costly among all the types of tractors.

Let’s look at the popular models of these tractors in India.

How to Choose the Right Tractor for Your Farm?

Land Requirement: Choose your tractor according to your land requirements. It is recommended that 1 HP be considered for every 2 hectares of land. Usually, a 20-25 HP tractor is suitable for 40 hectares farm. Although, farmers mostly prefer to buy 35-50 HP tractors.

Crop Type: If you take more than one crop and have enough irrigation facilities, a 1.5 hectare/hp is recommended, and then a 30-35 HP tractor is suitable for a 40-hectare farm.

Soil Conditions: Tractors should be chosen based on soil conditions in your area. Tractors with less weight, less wheelbase, and higher ground clearance are considered best for light soils. However, they are not appropriate for black cotton soil.

Weather Conditions: Water-cooled engines are preferred in hot and desert areas, whereas air-cooled engines are considered for higher altitudes because water will be frozen at higher altitudes.

Service Centres: Choose your tractor according to the service centres available near your area for easy repair and maintenance.

Running Cost: Fuel-efficient tractors are mostly preferred, so there will be fewer running costs.

Initial Cost and Resale Value: Consider the resale value of the tractor, and always ensure that the initial value of the tractor is not very high. Otherwise, you will have to pay a higher interest.