Tractors are invaluable pieces of machinery when it comes to farm work. In addition to simplifying essential tasks such as plowing and fertilizing, they also haul loads and heavy equipment and increase productivity by enabling farmers to cover large amounts of ground in short periods of time. To learn more about how these hard-working machines function, check out the below overview of important tractor parts and what they do.

4 Common Tractor Parts Used by Farmers

1. Drawbars

One of the tractor’s most important functions is to haul heavy loads, including hay balers, trailers, plows, and manure spreaders. Drawbars are the rods that connect the tractor to whatever tools or equipment it’s hauling. Standard drawbars are either fixed in an offset or central position, like when pulling a trailer. They can also be set to swing in limited lateral movements when some flexibility is required to haul a large load. 

2. Wheels & Tires

Most tractors have a two-wheel drive, which means their back wheels are powered by the engine while their front wheels are used to steer. Tractors have very large wheels, and their tires have more tread than those of a regular vehicle. This is necessary to provide the trailer with the traction it needs in rough terrain. Tractor tires are also specially designed to balance the machine and keep it from sinking into the loose ground. 

3. Power-Take-Off (PTO)

A PTO is a spinning shaft that usually sits at the rear of a tractor. Its primary purpose is to provide power to attachments such as mowers, balers, and rotary hoes. Most PTOs have their own horsepower rating, which is separate from the horsepower of the tractor’s engine.

4. Hitches

A tractor must have at least one attachment hitch to be used with other equipment. The three-point hitch is one of the most commonly used tractor parts, as it includes hydraulic lifts for raising and lowering the attached equipment.

To learn more about tractor parts, get in touch with Hartill’s Mountain Saw & Tractor in Chewelah, WA. Since 1965, this family-owned business has been one of the most trusted tractor dealers in the area, providing customers with a vast selection of tractors, riding mowers, and other outdoor power equipment. They carry some of the best brands on the market, including Honda®, and offer repair and maintenance services on all of the equipment they sell. Visit their website or call (509) 935-8829 to get in touch with a representative.