how does the tractor work

Tractors are an essential part of modern agriculture and farming. They perform various tasks such as ploughing fields, planting crops, removing snow, and transporting heavy equipment. The mechanical power behind these tasks is the tractor's engine, which converts fuel into energy, which ultimately controls various components of the tractor to do work. In this article, we will explore how the tractor works in detail.

The Engine

The engine is the heart of a tractor. It provides mechanical energy to power the various components of the tractor. The engine's operation is based on the four-stroke combustion cycle, which consists of four events: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. During the intake stroke, the piston moves down, which lets the air-fuel mixture enter the engine's cylinder. During the compression stroke, the air-fuel mixture is compressed, resulting in the spark plug igniting the mixture, causing an explosion and pushing the piston down with enormous force, leading to the power stroke. Finally, the piston moves up again during the exhaust stroke, removing the burnt fuel gases through the exhaust valve. This cycle repeats itself to produce continuous power required for the tractor to run.

The Transmission System

The transmission system's primary function is to transfer the engine's power to the wheels through a variety of gears. The transmission system in a tractor operates by using a set of spindles and gears arranged in such a way as to increase or decrease the transmitted power. The gears are operated via a set of pedals or levers, allowing the driver to shift gears to control the power transmitted to the wheels. The main type of transmission system used in tractors is the manual transmission, which requires the driver to manually shift gears using the clutch, gear selector, and accelerator pedals. However, modern tractors also come equipped with an automatic transmission system that shifts gears automatically, requiring little to no driver input.

The Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system in a tractor is a critical component that provides power to the various implements on the tractor. The hydraulic system works by using a hydraulic pump powered by the tractor's engine to pressurize hydraulic fluid contained in a closed hydraulic circuit. When the driver operates the hydraulic cylinder, the fluid is forced through a hydraulic line, allowing the implements attached to the tractor to move or perform a specific function. The hydraulic system's most common applications in a tractor include raising and lowering the mower or blade, rotating the wheels, and lifting or carrying heavy equipment.

The Final Drive System

The final drive system in a tractor is the part that transfers the power from the transmission to the tractor's wheels. The final drive system operates by using either a gear or hydraulically operated differential gear system. The differential system in tractors allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, allowing the tractor to turn easily. The final drive system's gearing ratio determines the tractor's top speed and allows it to traverse different types of terrain and slopes.

Conclusion

Tractors are a vital component of modern farming and agriculture. They make it possible for farmers to do more work in less time, and their efficiency and power have revolutionized the farming industry. Understanding how the tractor works can help farmers and operators identify issues before they become costly, resulting in minimized downtime and maximum productivity. The engine, transmission, hydraulic, and final drive systems work together to provide the power that allows tractors to perform various tasks effectively.