Tractor Definition

[SPYDERLK]

Lawn/garden tractor: An object containing a motor which produces power to execute tasks

Sub-Compact Utility Tractor: An object containing a motor which produces power to execute tasks

Compact Utility Tractor: An object containing a motor which produces power to execute tasks

Utility Tractor: An object containing a motor which produces power to execute tasks

Row Crop: An object containing a motor which produces power to execute tasks

Notice they are all objects that execute tasks and has nothing to do with the size of the machine, if it has wheels or tracks, loader or no, PTO or no, cab or no, need I go on? The classification is just one way of grouping tractors which can be done by the manufacturer, or the consumer. The consumer's responsibility is to learn what they need a tractor to do so they can choose which object containing a motor which produces power to execute taste they need:thumbsup:

My string trimmer fits that definition -- all kinds of attachments, but containes no motor ... only an engine. Must be the starter that makes it a tractor.
larry

 

[tcreeley]

I agree. I have never understood why my JD mower is called a garden tractor. All it can do is cut grass and it has more plastic than a tupper ware store.

Garden tractors have a heavier differential driving the wheels than a lawn tractor- so you can push them harder- they usually are beefier,(motor too) and you'll find the manufacturer sells accessories for them, that they don't offer for their lawn tractors. I killed two differentials in my Bolens 12hp lawn tractor (motor did fine). Got a Sears GT5000- same work- no problems. We put chains on our garden tractor and use it everywhere the NH can't go- into the barn to haul trailer loads of manure- easily holds 3 wheelbarrow loads, etc.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Seems that all of the city boys want to call their 'lawn mowers' a tractor. As do the big-box stores selling them. To me, that's an unearned label used to sell stuff, just as the car manufacturers get by with calling all 4-wheel drive vehicles "off road" capable.

I personally have a lawn mower - that doesn nothing but cut grass.

A garden tractor that CAN use implements, although crudely.

And a tractor, i.e. Kubota L3400.

... now - guys with those 85+ hp ag tractors probably resent me referring to my little Kubota as a 'real tractor'. Heavy duty - it ain't. Fit's my 'tractor' needs - absolutely.

So, while some of us have different definitions, or labels, for what is and what isn't, I think people certainly have the right to call their stuff whatever they like. It's up to me to decifer in my mind what the right category it falls into, according to my own definition.

BTW - I refer to my 'garden tractor' as my 'big mower'

 

[Verticaltrx]

I agree. I have never understood why my JD mower is called a garden tractor. All it can do is cut grass and it has more plastic than a tupper ware store.

I'm not as familiar with the newer JD models, but my 265 Deere 'garden' tractor is capable of running a front blade, blower, 30" rear tiller, as well as a sleeve hitch for a 10-12" moldboard plow, single gang disc, 42" scraper blade, etc. To me being able to run ground engaging attachments, specifically a tiller, separates a garden tractor from a lawn tractor. If I'm not mistaken, your GT 235 is about the same size and capability. With that said, we used to own a 180 Deere 'lawn tractor'. It could power a blower or front blade, but that was it for attachments. In my mind, everything that Lowe's sells are lawn tractors.

Seems that all of the city boys want to call their 'lawn mowers' a tractor. As do the big-box stores selling them. To me, that's an unearned label used to sell stuff, just as the car manufacturers get by with calling all 4-wheel drive vehicles "off road" capable.

I personally have a lawn mower - that doesn nothing but cut grass.

A garden tractor that CAN use implements, although crudely.

And a tractor, i.e. Kubota L3400.

... now - guys with those 85+ hp ag tractors probably resent me referring to my little Kubota as a 'real tractor'. Heavy duty - it ain't. Fit's my 'tractor' needs - absolutely.

So, while some of us have different definitions, or labels, for what is and what isn't, I think people certainly have the right to call their stuff whatever they like. It's up to me to decifer in my mind what the right category it falls into, according to my own definition.

BTW - I refer to my 'garden tractor' as my 'big mower'

I'd agree with most of that. I will say that the aforementioned 265 Deere that I have is only used to cut grass, pull a cart around the lawn and move my wood splitter. While it may be considered a garden tractor, I simply use it as a lawn mower.

I don't know that those with big tractors would necessarily discount your Kubota as not being a 'real tractor', at least if the are intelligent when it comes to equipment. I even consider my little B3200 a 'real' tractor, albeit a miniscule one, and we have tractors up to 95hp. While in many aspects they are tractors, when it comes to sub-compacts such as the Bx and Deere 1000 series, that's when I begin to wonder. Take the ROPS off any of those and they look remarkably like a garden tractor. Just sayin.....

 

[Martian]

Seems that all of the city boys want to call their 'lawn mowers' a tractor. As do the big-box stores selling them. To me, that's an unearned label used to sell stuff, just as the car manufacturers get by with calling all 4-wheel drive vehicles "off road" capable.

I personally have a lawn mower - that doesn nothing but cut grass.

A garden tractor that CAN use implements, although crudely.

And a tractor, i.e. Kubota L3400.

... now - guys with those 85+ hp ag tractors probably resent me referring to my little Kubota as a 'real tractor'. Heavy duty - it ain't. Fit's my 'tractor' needs - absolutely.

So, while some of us have different definitions, or labels, for what is and what isn't, I think people certainly have the right to call their stuff whatever they like. It's up to me to decifer in my mind what the right category it falls into, according to my own definition.

BTW - I refer to my 'garden tractor' as my 'big mower'

I'd agree with most of that. I will say that the aforementioned 265 Deere that I have is only used to cut grass, pull a cart around the lawn and move my wood splitter. While it may be considered a garden tractor, I simply use it as a lawn mower.

I don't know that those with big tractors would necessarily discount your Kubota as not being a 'real tractor', at least if the are intelligent when it comes to equipment. I even consider my little B3200 a 'real' tractor, albeit a miniscule one, and we have tractors up to 95hp. While in many aspects they are tractors, when it comes to sub-compacts such as the Bx and Deere 1000 series, that's when I begin to wonder. Take the ROPS off any of those and they look remarkably like a garden tractor. Just sayin.....

I'd agree with these statements to the fullest. Though my old 3120 would feel like a monster to most people, to me it felt tiny, especially when I'd park it next to the 5410. So for me, a 3120 was a SCUT. Even my 110, which will do everything I need feels small. I started off looking at full sized TLB's (as shown on TBN) because I like that size and it feels like a tractor to me. Nobodies definition of two classes of a tractor are the same.That's why saying that the Max is deceptive can't be possible.

 

[Don87]

I may enter my farm jeep in a local antique tractor show this spring. It has a PTO and 3 point hitch. Willys actually sold a "Jeep Tractor" in the early 50s - http://farmjeep.com/img/ads/farmjeep-farmtractor.jpg and it differed from the farm jeep by leaving off the windshield, headlights and the passenger seat. I don't think they sold many.

Don't think this helps with the definition, just a little fun fact.

That is a fun fact, thanks for sharing.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Tractor:

http://www.lawn-tractor-buyers-guide.com/image-files/simplicity-coronet-riding-mowers.jpg

Tractor:

 

[MasseyWV]

What makes a tractor a tractor? It depends. Personally, I believe that if it has four wheels and a seat, and is used for pulling, pushing, or any other sort of "task", it's a tractor. Granted, that's a pretty broad definition, but it works for me.

To me, my riding lawnmower is a tractor, just like my Massey 135. The only difference is in size, strength, and capabilities. In fact, I think the big debate is among "color" fanboys, who are trying to define size by using terms like SCUT, CUT, etc... It's just another variation of the age old debate, and boys will be boys, my equipment is bigger than yours. Blah, blah, blah.....

 

[tcreeley]

My old 1948 Farmall Cub tractor had 4 cylinder 8 hp engine. And the steering was off to the side. My Bolens 2 cylinder lawn mower/tractor was 12 hp and cut grass well and pulled a trailer. The cub plowed, harrowed, etc. It's not engine size/hp that separates!
I think what makes a tractor is the shape. -whether for cutting lawns or pulling a baler. Is a tractor trailer a tractor- hauls!

 

[yandeereguy]

I think it's really about the needs of the operator, does a homeowner need a compact tractor to run a tiller for they're small garden.. NO! but they can put one on they're garden tractor and do the job....

When I talk to a person from the city If I was to mention tractor they're thinking something totally different than what I'm talking about, then talk to a big time farmer down the road with a 1000 acres of corn his take on tractor and mine is totally different.