At what point does a tractor become a tractor?

johndeere2210 · Feb 3, 2005

Just sitting here tonight reading some old posts and I noticed that there are many times that MTD, Yardman, Craftsman, and etc. are mentioned as being tractors. I guess that raised a question in my mind as to what constitutes a tractor. Is it the size of the property that is being maintained, or is it strictly related to the machine itself? Is it the way a machine is equipped (i.e. TPH, PTO, hydraulics)? Is it the engine horse power? Maybe it is the position of the crankshaft (vertical or horizontal). I would like to state that I do not have anything against MTD, Yardman or Craftsman (I just love machines with engines). I am just curious to know what you all think constitutes a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

johan3400 · Feb 3, 2005

I am not by any means an expert, but I would classify a tractor as having multiple attachments and uses. I do not classify riding lawn mowers which are only mowers as tractors, but if it could run other attachments it could be a tractor. Look at some of the old tractors ie an Alllis Chalmers G or a John Deere H. Each of these machines was only about 10 hp but were truly tractors. IMHO the multiple uses makes a tractor, but then again what do I know?

CFHartman · Feb 4, 2005

I agree with Jim. I just traded a JD 214 garden tractor for a JD 2210. I considered my 214 a tractor. I plowed my garden with it, I blowed snow with it and I pushed dirt with it. 99% of the time I mowed grass with it. I always considered it a tractor.

SacandagaBrad · Feb 4, 2005

I remember reading somewhere here in the TBN Halls of Wisdom that when you shift your weight to one side in an effort to gain stability or traction, and it has no effect, then you're on a real tractor /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

megotatractor · Feb 4, 2005

When you can use it without fear of breaking it...then you're on a real tractor.

Wannafish · Feb 4, 2005

"When you can use it without fear of breaking it...then you're on a real tractor. "

Drats...I guess I can't consider my 95 hp 4020 J.D. a real tractor then. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Suppose I'll have to find something bigger/newer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Heck, I can break anything. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Egon · Feb 4, 2005

As soon as the key is turned and there is a satisfying response. Before that it's just a hunk of metal and other assorted stuff.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Freds · Feb 4, 2005

I think you should further breakdown "tractor". If it has a 3PT hitch on it, it's a utility tractor. If it doesn't, it's a lawn tractor. Many lawn tractors have more hp than utility tractors.
You might even want to say, if the dealer asks you what type of tires you want on it, then it's a tractor. As far as I know lawn tractors just have what they come with, which is a turf tire.

timb · Feb 4, 2005

If it's <font color="green"> green </font> of course. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Just kidding.

Wannafish · Feb 4, 2005

"If it has a 3PT hitch on it, it's a utility tractor. If it doesn't, it's a lawn tractor."

Then I guess that 300 h.p. 4 wheel drive articulated Stieger must have been just a lawn tractor...glad I didn't buy it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've seen LOTS of ag tractors without a 3PH. Maybe that one should be re-worded to just: "If it has a 3PH it's a tractor."
Of course that would make my Dad's 316 J.D. a tractor too /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Ah well...