RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 23,144
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Boy, you guys got too much time on your hands...
What is a tractor?
- Thread starter Libertine
- Start date
- Views: 5482
slowrev
Elite Member
Dave,
Boy that something that pulls or draws could really be interpreted an many ways /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I think for the purpose of our slightly deranged discussion we would probably benefit the most from the legal definition of a tractor as used for ROPS requirement and travelling exemptions on the highway.
After we have
lawn tractors
18 wheeler tractors
airplane propellors
maybe boat propellors as well
star trek tractor beams
Caterpillar tractors
etc,etc,etc,etc,.............
Does anyone have the legal definition of an AG tractor ?
Boy that something that pulls or draws could really be interpreted an many ways /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I think for the purpose of our slightly deranged discussion we would probably benefit the most from the legal definition of a tractor as used for ROPS requirement and travelling exemptions on the highway.
After we have
lawn tractors
18 wheeler tractors
airplane propellors
maybe boat propellors as well
star trek tractor beams
Caterpillar tractors
etc,etc,etc,etc,.............
Does anyone have the legal definition of an AG tractor ?
NIXON
Veteran Member
Tom . I'm with you ! This thread gives me a scull ache !
But It's an interesting post ,so I'll take acouple of aspirin and get an education . John
But It's an interesting post ,so I'll take acouple of aspirin and get an education . John
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I read your post *way* too early in the morning. Now my brain will hurt all day long...
)</font>
HECK: I Read it in the evening and MY head is hurting /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
)</font>
HECK: I Read it in the evening and MY head is hurting /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Henro
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 4,982
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
I'm going to consult with Spock and Captian Kirk, and get back later...
The solution to the question is undoubtably to be found in the tractor beam technology used on the enterprise...
Beam me up, Scotty! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The solution to the question is undoubtably to be found in the tractor beam technology used on the enterprise...
Beam me up, Scotty! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
dixiedrifter
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2004
- Messages
- 206
A tractor is any motorized vehicle that is designed primarily for off road use and used as a power source for various impliments in the pursuit of animal/farm husbandry.
_RaT_
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2000
- Messages
- 5,813
- Location
- Peoples Republic of Northern CA.
- Tractor
- Kioti 3510-SE HST
The Latin word trahere , from which tractor is derived, is also the source of English abstract, attract, contract, detract, distract, extract, retract, retreat, subtract, trace, train, trait, treat, treatise, and treaty.
I just prefer to simplify and say "a tractor is in the eye of the beholder"
RaT...
I just prefer to simplify and say "a tractor is in the eye of the beholder"
RaT...
MicroPilot:
<font color="blue">The term "tractor" is also sometimes used to describe trucks that pull trailers. </font>
You are correct, of course, that the word symbol tractor is used for road tractors pulling trailers, a/k/a semis. It is also, as has been mentioned by a few posters, used to point to other classes of objects. However, in the context of what we are talking about here, the class of objects we are referring (pointing) to (trying to define) derives from the class of objects to which the term, in the sense we are using it, was first applied, to wit: traction engines used for agricultural purposes. All of the things we use and call tractors evolved from that original class of objects to which the word symbol, in the sense we are using it, was first applied. In addition, a road tractor pulling a trailer meets only one of the criteria possessed by that class of objects. A road tractor does not meet the criteria of operating as a universal power source to run other tools and implements (a quality possessed by all of the original class of objects to which the word symbol was first applied), therefore, both in context and by definition is excluded from that class of objects. Remember, that the closer other classes of objects are to the defining characteristics of the class being defined, the closer those other classes are to the defined class. Put more simply, if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, looks like a duck and lays duck eggs we may reasonably conclude it is probably a duck.
What I am looking for is to see if any of you can think of any class of objects which meets the definition I have proposed to wit: <font color="blue">“my contextual definition of a tractor is a mechanical, self propelled, universal power source used to power other tools and implements”</font>, yet would not generally be thought of as a tractor (in the sense we are using the word symbol).
Et al:
Some of you complained that thinking about my post gave them a headache – I sincerely apologize. Of course, whether such an effect is a function of the density of synaptic connections per cubic centimeter of neural mass, or some other unknown cause, I cannot say. In any event, this is a tractor site for people interested in tractors. At least to my way of thinking it seems it might be of at least some small interest to at least a few members to agree on what we are talking about when we use the word symbol.
Rat:
You are absolutely correct that anyone can use any word symbol to point to any class of objects (or even no class of objects at all, i.e., words treated, within the brain, as things in themselves, rather than pointers to objects a/k/a floating abstractions). And if one has no concern to enhance <font color="blue">“clearer and more precise human communication” </font> then the issue of definition is, obviously, of no importance. You are right. Of course, the logical end of such a position is to reduce human beings to point of having to communicate through pointing at things and grunting at each other. Back to where we started.
dixiedrifter:
You seem to agree with my definition. At least my reading of what you posted was that you said the same thing in different words. Or, am I missing something?
JEH
<font color="blue">The term "tractor" is also sometimes used to describe trucks that pull trailers. </font>
You are correct, of course, that the word symbol tractor is used for road tractors pulling trailers, a/k/a semis. It is also, as has been mentioned by a few posters, used to point to other classes of objects. However, in the context of what we are talking about here, the class of objects we are referring (pointing) to (trying to define) derives from the class of objects to which the term, in the sense we are using it, was first applied, to wit: traction engines used for agricultural purposes. All of the things we use and call tractors evolved from that original class of objects to which the word symbol, in the sense we are using it, was first applied. In addition, a road tractor pulling a trailer meets only one of the criteria possessed by that class of objects. A road tractor does not meet the criteria of operating as a universal power source to run other tools and implements (a quality possessed by all of the original class of objects to which the word symbol was first applied), therefore, both in context and by definition is excluded from that class of objects. Remember, that the closer other classes of objects are to the defining characteristics of the class being defined, the closer those other classes are to the defined class. Put more simply, if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, looks like a duck and lays duck eggs we may reasonably conclude it is probably a duck.
What I am looking for is to see if any of you can think of any class of objects which meets the definition I have proposed to wit: <font color="blue">“my contextual definition of a tractor is a mechanical, self propelled, universal power source used to power other tools and implements”</font>, yet would not generally be thought of as a tractor (in the sense we are using the word symbol).
Et al:
Some of you complained that thinking about my post gave them a headache – I sincerely apologize. Of course, whether such an effect is a function of the density of synaptic connections per cubic centimeter of neural mass, or some other unknown cause, I cannot say. In any event, this is a tractor site for people interested in tractors. At least to my way of thinking it seems it might be of at least some small interest to at least a few members to agree on what we are talking about when we use the word symbol.
Rat:
You are absolutely correct that anyone can use any word symbol to point to any class of objects (or even no class of objects at all, i.e., words treated, within the brain, as things in themselves, rather than pointers to objects a/k/a floating abstractions). And if one has no concern to enhance <font color="blue">“clearer and more precise human communication” </font> then the issue of definition is, obviously, of no importance. You are right. Of course, the logical end of such a position is to reduce human beings to point of having to communicate through pointing at things and grunting at each other. Back to where we started.
dixiedrifter:
You seem to agree with my definition. At least my reading of what you posted was that you said the same thing in different words. Or, am I missing something?
JEH
rockinmywaypa
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2003
- Messages
- 615
- Tractor
- john deere 3130, universal case 970 and a IH 1086
I understand that the traction engine would have been marketed years earlier than it was except that the builders fretted and discussed to length just what to call it.
neilly2
Silver Member
Libertine,
I have two issues with your definition of "Tractor";
1. Universal power source - the word universal needs defining.
2. Other tools and implements - this needs to be further defined. A litmus test must be provided to determine what can be called a tool or implement for an absolute.
The answer to your original question is that your definition is too broad. You dismissed a previous respondent, who suggested that a semi's tractor did not meet your definition. That is, of course, until you tighten the parameters of your definition.
The semi tractor absolutely meets your defintion. They, in fact, do power tools and implements. Is a trailer not commonly considered an implement? A generator is a tool. An air conditioning unit is a tool to keep cargo cool. How about the lights on the trailer? Are these not tools by which we safely navigate the highways? How about the pumps on a tanker truck? I believe this is a tool or implement.
As for a universal power source --- a semi tractor has hydraulic hook ups similar to an ag tractor, which can interchange with other trailers, 'universally'. Again, until universal is defined, you make no point. My ag tractor cannot operate category 2 or 3 implements. That is not very universal. So how could you eliminate the semi tractor for being limited to its class of implements? You can't.
However, I am sure in response to this, the definition will be slightly tweaked, to suit your point. This is the way of the philosopher.
I have two issues with your definition of "Tractor";
1. Universal power source - the word universal needs defining.
2. Other tools and implements - this needs to be further defined. A litmus test must be provided to determine what can be called a tool or implement for an absolute.
The answer to your original question is that your definition is too broad. You dismissed a previous respondent, who suggested that a semi's tractor did not meet your definition. That is, of course, until you tighten the parameters of your definition.
The semi tractor absolutely meets your defintion. They, in fact, do power tools and implements. Is a trailer not commonly considered an implement? A generator is a tool. An air conditioning unit is a tool to keep cargo cool. How about the lights on the trailer? Are these not tools by which we safely navigate the highways? How about the pumps on a tanker truck? I believe this is a tool or implement.
As for a universal power source --- a semi tractor has hydraulic hook ups similar to an ag tractor, which can interchange with other trailers, 'universally'. Again, until universal is defined, you make no point. My ag tractor cannot operate category 2 or 3 implements. That is not very universal. So how could you eliminate the semi tractor for being limited to its class of implements? You can't.
However, I am sure in response to this, the definition will be slightly tweaked, to suit your point. This is the way of the philosopher.