At what point does a tractor become a tractor?

RalphVa · Feb 4, 2005

Think the term "tractor" goes back to a "traction machine", e.g. something that is used to move or to power other machinery. Modern day, I'd say anything that is capable of pulling or pushing things around, hitch them onto the back (3 pt is the most popular means), drives something via a pulley or a PTO, is a tractor. My Gravely fits this, as it pulls things, pushes snow and powers stuff via its PTO. It does not have a 3 pt.

My friend's old JD M has a pulley and drawbar in the back, not a PTO nor a 3 pt. It's definitely a tractor.

Ralph

MadDog · Feb 4, 2005

I'm surprised that Henro hasn't responded.... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Come to think of it, I'm kinda surprised Henro didn't start this thread. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FWIW, I have an entirely different definition, that is based upon personal experience; a "tractor" is a piece of outdoor machinery that I can use to do the outside projects that my wife wants accomplished, but which she doesn't think that I need to do them. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt · Feb 4, 2005

Hummmm, what about a tractor-trailer? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good question. I think a lawn-tractor is in fact a tractor, albet a very small one, but a tractor all the same.

So, what constitutes a tractor?
Lets see, I'll say that to be classified as a tractor, a vehicle has to be a motorized self propelled machine designed soley for the purpose of either pulling, lifting, pushing, digging and/or providing the power to operate an implement, attachment or other load bearing parasitic vehicle. A power takeoff isn't necessary if the tractor is only designed for pushing or pulling. It can be designed for off-road operation only, on-road operation only or both.
Size, number of wheels, location of the engine or whether it's enclosed or not aren't determineing factors IMHO.

So when does a tractor become a tractor? When operating it "cranks" your tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

Varmintmist · Feb 5, 2005

3pt definatly does not a tractor make. If that is the criteria then a whole host of older JD's and Farmalls would not be tractors.

I would have to say a good definition of a tractor is ;

A machine thats purpose is to pull implements and/or loads.

So to be a lawn tractor the machine has to have a hitch. A lawn mower does not. A tow tractor used for moving airplanes is still a tractor because it is built to tow, same as with a Peterbuilt that is set up with a 5th wheel. That same truck set up with a dump box is not a tractor. The basic component is the hitch.

I wont say that powering equipment is part of it because there are a lot of ground powered implements out there, along with implements that are self powered. A baler with a pony motor for instance.

Freds · Feb 5, 2005

OK... my turn....

( I would have to say a good definition of a tractor is ;

A machine thats purpose is to pull implements and/or loads.
)

So by your definition, a tugboat is a tractor. Hmmm /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I still think the original poster was talking about when does a riding mower become a tractor, when does it cross that line. I like your definition concerning the hitch making it a tractor. That would leave ZTRs out and smaller riding mowers that you can't put a blade on or hook a cart up to. Technically speaking my G2160 is a tractor, albeit a lawn tractor, but I really don't consider it a tractor. If my neighbor came over and asked to borrow my tractor I'm pretty sure he would be asking to use my 3130.

MadDog · Feb 5, 2005

Not if he checks in with Ramon49 first. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PSDF350 · Feb 5, 2005

( 3pt definatly does not a tractor make. If that is the criteria then a whole host of older JD's and Farmalls would not be tractors.

I would have to say a good definition of a tractor is ;

A machine thats purpose is to pull implements and/or loads.

So to be a lawn tractor the machine has to have a hitch. A lawn mower does not. A tow tractor used for moving airplanes is still a tractor because it is built to tow, same as with a Peterbuilt that is set up with a 5th wheel. That same truck set up with a dump box is not a tractor. The basic component is the hitch.

I wont say that powering equipment is part of it because there are a lot of ground powered implements out there, along with implements that are self powered. A baler with a pony motor for instance. )
this is exactly what makes a tractor a hitch

JimMorrissey · Feb 5, 2005

"Tractors" are traditionally diesel powered. Most lawn tractors are gasoline powered. I can't think of a "real" tractor that is gasoline powered. However, I'm sure there are examples, before lawn tractors even existed, were gasoline powered tractors.

Tractors in my opinion are manufactured primary for some type of agricultural or commercial use. Many sub-compacts and CUTs are not used in this manner, but I believe they were originally designed for this purpose...Just look at a Kubota or John Deere brochure.

Bird · Feb 5, 2005

( "Tractors" are traditionally diesel powered )

Maybe you should have said "modern" tractors, or recently built tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

( I can't think of a "real" tractor that is gasoline powered )

How about the Fords; 8N, 9N, and quite a number of others. Or some of the older Farmalls, the John Deere L (my first tractor experience) and lots of other older ones. I may be in the minority, but I always considered them "real" tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JimMorrissey · Feb 5, 2005

True....However,the original post made clear reference to MTD, Yardman and Craftsman. I was attempting to steer the discussion in that direction. I did say I was sure there are examples of gasoline powered tractors before lawn tractors even existed. By saying "traditionally" I was referring to most modern or recently built tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif One would not likely find or purchase a gasoline powered "tractor" today.

A diesel is the heart of any modern "tractor".

Front cover of the latest Kubota Grand L catalog:
"Kubota Diesel Tractor L3130/L3430/L3830/L4330/L4630/L5030.
Ultra-modern design, comprehensive features, and first-rate performace--the future of DIESEL tractor technology"

I'm not saying that a diesel engine is THE key factor. Just that it should be considered as a critical yard stick when determining if a modern machine is considered a tractor or not. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif