Tractors & Farm Machinery: research reports

The classic Farm Tractor is a simple open vehicle that typically has two very large wheels on one axle. The word tractor is a Latin term, being the agent noun of trahere “to pull.” The word tractor was first used and recorded in 1901 meaning “an engine or vehicle for pulling wagons or ploughs.” The basic layout of the Farm Tractor has remained unchanged for years, but on more modern farm tractors, enclosed cans are fitted on most to provide more operator comfort and safety.

In the 1930’s, the “caterpillar” or “crawler” type of tracked tractor became popular in areas that are known for their heavy or wet soils, such as the Central Valley of California. In the 1960’s, four-wheel drive tractors began to make their entrance with some of the four-wheel tractors having the standard “two large, two small” configuration that is typical of smaller tractors. Some do have the four very large powered wheels as well. The larger tractors typically have a high center hinged design that is steered by hydraulic cylinders.