6 implements that make a tractor work

A tractor is probably the biggest, heaviest machine you’ll ever own, but it’s limited in what it can do until you choose some implements to run with it.

Higher horsepower machines will have a power take-off (PTO) shaft and a 3-point hitch on the back. These allow you to run a range of attachments. • Mowing options There are a wide range of ways to mow using a tractor. Mower decks can sit under the machine (mid-mount), out in front (front-mount), or at the back (rear-mount).

You can choose a mower that will give you a perfect finish. However, it won’t be designed to cope with uneven terrain or cutting long, thick grass.

You can get slashers that will cut down thick pasture grass on rough ground. There are also decks that fall in the middle, giving you an adequate finish to your lawn while still being robust enough to top pasture.

Most slashers ride along the ground on skids which control the height of the cut grass. However, some brands give you the option of adding wheels, giving you the ability to change cutting height. • Front-end loader bucket A bucket is used to scoop up a load, eg gravel, compost.

It can also be used as a hoist to lift heavy objects, depending on its capabilities, eg a heavy log, a car engine.

Some packages will also include forks which fit the same ‘arms’ and can be used to lift pallets or flat objects. • Grader blade If you have a long driveway, or one that has steep sections, a grader blade that attaches to the rear of your tractor can save you a lot of money on maintenance. Blades can be used to grade gravel, drag soil, cut back soil or to shape drains. • Sprayer These can are attached to a tractor’s 3-point linkage, giving you a way to carry large amounts of spray. Other options Backhoe: mounted to the rear, can dig holes and drains. Post hole digger: runs off the power takeoff (PTO) shaft so there’s no back-breaking work while digging posts.