Tractors simple as ABC

Last month we looked in some detail at the two wheel tractor with its advantages of low cost implements low running costs and easy storage. This time we can look at the different types of four wheeled tractors available and their relative merits. We can also consider the advantages of buying new and second hand as well as things to look out for and points to avoid.

Small or compact Tractors can basically be divided into three groups, those of Far East design, Central European hill type design and the larger compact or small conventional tractor produced in many different countries.

FAR EAST DESIGN For many years Japanese tractors, originally designed for work in rice fields and from 15 to 25hp, have formed a major part of the small tractor population in the UK they have in general proved to be very reliable and versatile. Repair costs tend to be high and their very design makes them tall and less stable on steep land, ironically their height has proved ideal for fitting mid mounted mowers and has made them the most popular choice for work on sports fields. Well known models of this type include Kubota, John Deere and Iseki. These are now joined by low cost models from China and whilst it should be remembered that lower cost tractors could have a shorter economic life, this does brings a new opportunity for many users to own a new low cost tractor.

FAR EAST DESIGN The European style tractor has equal size wheels front and rear, it also has a lower centre of gravity making it more stable and safer on slopes. Equal wheels will normally give a combination of better pulling power and less ground damage. Two of the larger European manufacturers of equal and conventional wheeled tractors are Goldoni and BCS, all models have a lower height for stability reflecting their working environment.. The smallest equal wheeled tractor is the 22hp Goldoni Quad Tractor, it is unique for a small tractor with its articulated steering and four wheel drive. This gives exceptional turning and traction for a tractor of its size. Larger equal wheeled tractors consist of those with articulated or conventional steering. The former are better for operating in tight areas and reversing with trailers, the latter are better for longer road journeys. Almost all equal wheeled tractors have a linear pivoting chassis which allows the wheels to follow the undulations of the ground, it is this that improves traction and limits damage to crops and ground.

LARGER COMPACT TRACTORS The larger compact tractors, like agricultural tractors, continue to grow in power, there is a great enthusiasm to increase power without increasing overall size. Engine horsepower is now approaching 100hp on some models. This seems to be mainly aimed at the sports, amenity and also the fruit growing markets, where a large power take off capability is required. For the smallholder this is where small tractor meets the large. Larger compacts are available with conventional and equal wheel configurations, on tracks and as specialist utility tractors. Most large manufactures offers some models in this range and implements tend to be larger for greater output.

COMPACT TRACTORS CAN COME IN MANY DIFFERENT TYPES Some common questions always arise when looking at tractors. The cab?. On a small tractor, it is a costly addition as a proportion of the cost of the tractor and not always easy to get in and out of. The front loader?. Many small tractors do not have a very strong front axle. If you want to have a front loader always use a rear counter weight, it can save expensive repair bills. Hydrostatic or manual transmission, hydrostatic is good for loader work, lawn mowing, and other very slow operations. It uses a larger proportion of the tractors power and can be expensive if it fails. A manual gearbox is best for pulling and roadwork and has lower maintenance costs later in life. Which model and make to buy? The model is easy, it is the one that allows you to do the greatest number of different tasks. For the make, history shows the better the tractor the better the long term investment. Qualities such as not big and not too complicated have stood the test of time.

Buying a Second Hand Tractor This has an immediate cost advantage. For instance £1,000 may buy a good Grey Ferguson, £500 a bad one. A decent Fordson Major or Nuffield could also start at about £1000 , but it is worth remembering that what you are buying is around fifty years old and these prices are now greater than the original cost. In general well maintained old tractors have proved a very good investment. Do bear in mind that although parts for these very old tractors are often still available running costs and maintenance may make them a poor choice for all but the enthusiast. Also tractors of this size will often prove too big to perform a wide variety of smallholder tasks. Unfortunately more recent second hand compacts tractors can prove a little less reliable and more expensive to maintain than some of the real old timers, so finding a good one is important.

Choosing your second hand tractor whether five or fifty years old should not be a technical minefield, consider some non technical basic pointers, who was the last owner, did he maintain this tractor, is it scruffy, does it start easily, do all the bits work. If it looks rough then it probably is.

As a general rule if the seller says it only needs a new battery, then it needs a good deal more. Some major points to consider are does the power take off shaft go the right way (clockwise looking from the back) if this is wrong it makes the tractor useless for most tasks involving the PTO, not a good investment. This mostly only occurs on old or odd models from the Far East. If you are considering a tractor with hydrostatic transmission, have it checked, if it fails the repair can cost as much as the tractor.

It is worth remembering that most tractor dealers are pleased to talk to and deal with smallholders, ask for advice, ask about service and parts costs, gather the knowledge. Most of all you need to know that you can buy reasonably priced implements for your tractor, remember larger tractors need larger implements.

WHICH IMPLEMENTS?

On the matter of implements it is quite surprising what simple implements can be made for the one off job or to make a regular task easier. A Hay Rake for small areas made from scrap is just such an example. The biggest crime is allowing your tractor to watch you work. Lack of use for a tractor is as bad as over work, the main thing is to avoid being over technical. First their was man who used a wooden rake to gather hay then came the horse that pulled the rake, a complicated lift system from the wheels lifted the rake and with practice the hay was dropped into rows. So our simply constructed rake can be pulled by a tractor and lifted by the tractor lift system ( or by balance on a two wheeled tractor).

HOW TO MAKE A HAY RAKE FROM SCRATCH Let's look at materials and size 1 to 2 metres wide will be fine, for a large tractor or a bad driver the construction will need to be heavier. A steel tube with wooden beam and tines, scaffold pipe and sawn broom handles. Unless you buy new or sub contract the work, a £15 to £50 budget will do. First a T shaped frame on your three point linkage. It is easy to see how this could also be used for a small crane or log carrier. It helps if can weld, if not go to scaffold hire man for some scrap pipe and 2 or 3 fittings. First use a horizontal tube with a rod through it between the lower links, with a scaffold fitting put a two foot tube up in the centre to where the top link should go(an upside down T), a third fitting will join approx five foot of tube from the junction of the T pointing back from the tractor to complete the frame. The rake head would be similar to a hand rake except the tines would be made from broom handle glued or nailed into holes into the wooden 4" x 2" headstock as would the short handle. Finally slide the handle into the end of the five foot tube and connect a strong cord from each end of the rake head to the top scaffold fitting and from there to the top link pin on the tractor, this will support the weight of the rake when lifted and act as a week link to prevent damage if the rake is overloaded or snagged. Please let us know if you have an implement that you have made and would like to share with other readers.

Next time we can see how best to make use of a quad bike, a 4 X 4 and specialised utility vehicles for tractor tasks and simple implements that can be used with them.

In the meantime if you are visiting the Smallholders Show at Builth Wells on the 20th and 21st of May come and see us on The BSG stand SH 91.