Tractor Lingo
If you’re shopping for a new tractor, this glossary of tractor-related terms will get you up to speed on all the terms.
If you’re shopping for a new tractor, this glossary of 30 tractor-related terms will get you up to speed on all the lingo. AIR FILTER: Engines need oxygen to run, and the air filter helps protect dust, dirt, grass clippings and other contaminants from entering the engine.
BIAS TIRES: an old-fashioned, inexpensive tire design offering rugged performance in exchange for a bumpy ride and less traction than radial tires
CHASSIS: the frame of the tractor, supporting all of its other parts
CLUTCH & GEAR TRANSMISSION: a transmission using a complex array of gears to achieve different speeds and directions of travel. It’s the transmission of choice for activities requiring a specific speed to be maintained (such as seeding) and for use on sloping terrain.
COMPACT UTILITY TRACTOR: Smaller than a utility tractor, but larger and stronger than a garden tractor, a compact utility tractor is ideal for small-scale farmers who need the expandability of a utility tractor, but without the expense, size and power of a larger machine.
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF): a blend of 32.5% synthetic urea and 67.5% deionized water, injected into the selective catalytic reduction of diesel engines to break down nitrogen oxides in the exhaust
DRAWBAR: This metal bar, often removable, is installed at the rear of the tractor. It serves as a hitch for attaching implements such as hay balers and wagons.
Learn the terms to better understand all the factors that go into buying a tractor.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER: a heater installed in the engine to keep it warm and facilitate easier starting in the cold
FORKLIFT: Typically exchangeable with the bucket on a front-end loader, a forklift attachment allows the tractor to transport round hay bales, logs or pallets of supplies.
FRONT-END LOADER: an adjustable bucket installed on the front of the tractor, used for scooping and transporting dirt, manure, gravel, snow, tree branches, etc.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE: This means the engine provides drive power to all four wheels, increasing traction over challenging terrain.
FUEL FILTER: filters debris from fuel to keep the engine running smoothly. Contaminated fuel can degrade performance and wear out engine parts prematurely.
GARDEN TRACTOR: a high-end riding mower with more power and greater expandability than a lawn tractor
HORSEPOWER: traditional term for measuring engine strength. Power take-off and drawbar horsepowers are related terms denoting the power available for operating or pulling implements.
HYDRAULICS: the fluid-driven systems that provide the means for lifting implements and powering attachments such as front-end loaders and backhoes
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION: a transmission using hydraulic fluid and a variable displacement pump to drive a hydraulic motor
IMPLEMENT (OR ATTACHMENT): a piece of machinery, such as a plow, snow blower, or box blade, attached to a tractor to expand its capabilities
LAWN TRACTOR: a basic riding lawn mower, good for mowing grass and pulling small carts
OIL FILTER: a filter for removing contaminants from engine oil. Regular replacement is advised.
POWER STEERING: the use of hydraulics to aid in turning the wheels of a tractor, making steering easier
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO): a rotating connector, usually at the rear of the tractor, providing power to implements such as mowers and hay balers
RADIAL TIRES: an advanced tire design offering a smoother ride and greater traction than bias tires, albeit at a higher price point. They’re less suitable for extremely rugged or hilly terrain.
ROLLOVER PROtECtION StRUCtURE (ROPS): a sturdy frame arching over the seat of the tractor, designed to protect the driver from injury in the event of a tractor rollover
SELECtIVE CAtALYtIC REDUCtION (SCR): the system by which diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is released into the exhaust of a diesel engine to break down nitrogen oxides and reduce pollution
SpARK PLUGS: a key component in gasoline engines, providing the electric spark needed to ignite the fuel
SUBCOMpACt TRACtOR: typically a diesel-powered garden tractor offering greater expandability through the addition of a PTO and three-point hitch
THREE-POINt HItCH: an industry-standard means of rigidly attaching implements such as plows and mowers to the back of a tractor. Hydraulics allow the implements to be raised and lowered.
UtILItY TRACtOR: This is your stereotypical “tractor,” a full-sized machine offering the strength and versatility to handle any job. Engine horsepower can exceed 100 horsepower.
ZERO-TURN MOWER: a specialized lawn mower designed for maneuverability and speed