Tractors give farmers, construction workers, landscapers, engineers, and others the ability to work the land around them. A tractor delivers high tractive force in the form of torque at low speeds for the purposes of transporting and powering machinery for use in the agricultural, construction, and other fields. Without the use of tractors, the difficulty of everyday work tasks would increase exponentially. Though associated most often with farm work, the word tractor has other meanings associated with it depending on the vehicle trade.
Before making any purchases, shoppers should first determine the parts they need. If unsure about which tractor parts to buy, consult a tractor salesperson or look online for more information. When buying parts for a tractor, shoppers should possess a good working knowledge of the tractor model they are purchasing parts for, how to best judge the quality and condition of those parts, and the different farming implements available.
When buying tractor parts, shoppers should keep certain factors in mind. The following seven factors can help tractor owners determine which parts best fit their needs.
1. Cost
A big factor in any purchase is comparing the cost of the tractor parts to the shopper's specific budget. This might entail going with a part that costs less, although this does not always mean buying lower-quality parts. If a tractor needs many replacement parts that must be professionally installed, weigh this cost against the cost of buying a new or used tractor.
2. Need
Keep specific needs in mind when purchasing tractor parts. Mainly this includes parts for repair, an upgrade to the tractor, and the variety of attachments available to make work tasks easier, such as lifts, power take-off run machinery, and trailers for hauling.
3. Condition
Consider the condition of the part before purchase. If a preowned part was used extensively before being sold, shoppers might want to consider buying a part that has not seen as much use. This does not preclude the worthiness and usefulness of the heavily used part, but shoppers should encounter fewer problems with one that has seen less use.
4. Brand
When purchasing tractor parts, look for parts from brands known for their high quality and durability. Buying from an aftermarket parts manufacturer might save shoppers money, but unless the company is known for manufacturing high-quality parts, shoppers might find themselves paying more money in the long run if they must replace the part sooner than normal. Always research parts and where they come from before buying them. Buying a part made by the same manufacturer as the tractor may also help to ensure compatibility and smooth operating once the part is installed.
5. Transmission Types
The shopper should know what type of transmission sits within any tractor that they own, as each of the different transmission available performs certain tasks better than others. Knowing this information allows shoppers to buy the parts that best suit their needs. The following table details the different transmission types commonly found on tractors.
6. Hitches
The versatility of a tractor makes it a desirable work vehicle. The tractor hitch is where the equipment hooks up to the tractor and provides power for any attachments. This gives tractors the ability to perform a wide variety of tasks, both on the farm and at the job site. The table below details some of the more prominent tractor hitch types.
7. Power Take-Off Systems
Most modern tractors come equipped with a Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft. The PTO shaft provides rotary power to both stationary and pulled machinery. While the PTO shaft is typically located at the rear of the tractor, some models also have a front PTO shaft. Attached to an implement towed by a drawbar or three-point hitch, the shaft provides power to the implement, doing away with the necessity for a separate implement-mounted power source. Modern tractors provide any additional power, such as hydraulic and electric, that the implement might need. It is important to know how the PTO shaft affects any parts one is thinking about buying.
