Different Types of Tractors

By Michael Floren (mikefloren@gmail.com)

Tractors offer a lot of use and convenience for many people. They are generally used for pulling, drawing in and towing heavy objects that are hard to haul around manually. However, there is a common misconception that they can only be found on farms. There are actually several kinds of tractors that all have specific uses. Here they are.

Compact Utility Tractor or CUT

Among them is the compact utility tractor which is a small model of an agricultural tractor although designed chiefly for landscaping and land management instead of for planting as well as harvesting on a commercial level. Typically this kind of tractor has 20 to 50 horsepower. The compact utility tractor is also equipped with both mid-mounted PTO as well as a standard rear PTO.

Like any large agricultural tractors, the compact utility tractor has a modifiable three-point hitch which can be controlled hydraulically. Usually a compact utility tractor is a four wheel drive. They also have a hydrostatic transmission. Also, compact utility tractors have roll over protection structure which is government mandated.

More well known brands of compact utility tractors would be Kubota, New Holland Ag, John Deere Tractor and Massey-Ferguson.

Backhoe Loader

Another type of tractor would be the backhoe loader, which is a variation of the traditional farm tractor. As its name suggests, it boasts of a loader assembly located on the front, as well as a backhoe at the back.

This type of tractor is usually used for construction, light transportation, digging, small demolitions, loading of tracks, powering of building equipment, paving of roads, among other tasks. Since this type is usually small they are very ideal for urban engineering purposes like construction and repair in places which are too small for the use of large equipment.

Because they have a relatively small frame as well as a precise control, they are common and useful for use in urban engineering projects like in repairs and construction in those areas that are too small for the larger equipment. They are one, if not the most, popular of the urban construction vehicles due to their versatility and compact size.

Engineering Tractor

Then there’s engineering tractors which are suited for engineering tasks. These tractors may be fitted with tools like bucket, hoe, dozer blade, ripper, among others. If attached with engineering tools it is often referred to as engineering vehicle.

Bulldozer

The bulldozer meanwhile is track-type tractor with blades in front. It has rope-winch at the back, and these are very strong tractors which are specifically for pushing and dragging of things. In recent years it has been modified to perform other tasks like scooping up of rock, earth, and similar materials. The bulldozer will then load up the said materials into a truck.

Garden Tractor

There is also the garden tractor which is a very simple type used for domestic gardens. They are primarily for the cutting of grass. Garden tractors are usually strongly built and are coupled with stronger axles, frames, and transmissions.

EPA Tractor

The EPA tractor is a simple automobile which has passenger space cut off at the back of the front seats. It is also equipped with a couple of gearboxes in row. This type rose in popularity in Sweden, particularly during the Second World War. Older cars which have a ladder frame can actually be customized into an EPA tractor.