The tractor is a machine that can generate traction.
A tractor is a machine that has the ability to generate traction (the act of pulling something to move it). Regarding the etymological origin of the term, some experts claim that it is found in the Latin word tractus , while others point to the Latin verb trahere , which can be translated as "throw."
The most common use of the concept refers to a motor vehicle that, thanks to the adhesion of its chains or wheels to the surface , is used to pull a trailer or a plow. For this reason, tractors are often used in agricultural tasks.
With respect to the structure and components of a tractor, broadly speaking we can say that its parts are the following: the chassis (provides the rigidity and support necessary to hold together the rest of the mechanical components and the wheel suspension ), the engine , transmission and hydraulic lift, hitch and a gearbox.
Using a tractor
The development of tractors made it possible to minimize the use of draft animals , such as horses, donkeys or oxen. It also reduced the amount of labor that had to be used for work in the fields. This is because the tractor facilitates and automates various activities that were previously carried out manually or with the help of animal husbandry .
There are different types of tractors. Wheeled tractors are those that, for their movement, use wheels , which are much larger than those used by the vehicles that we usually see on the streets (cars, trucks, etc.). Caterpillar-type tractors , for their part, have chains instead of wheels.
Tractors are often used in agricultural tasks.
Different features
Tractors may have one or more drive systems for the use of implements. In the case of tractors that are used to carry out tasks related to agriculture , they usually have different arms that allow them to use tools that are attached to their structure, such as plows , fertilizer spreaders , mowers or balers .
The number of arms in this case is three, two actuators and one tensioner . This system is called three-point hitch and has the function of raising and lowering the aforementioned attachable tools. The movement of the two arms that are at the bottom is usually carried out by a hydraulic pump through a distributor, and this works thanks to the engine of the tractor itself.
The movement of the three-point system is a four-bar plane; This is also called an articulated quadrilateral and, in the field of mechanical engineering, defines a mechanism consisting of four bars, three of which are movable, which are joined with articulated nodes and pivots. The upper arm, among the three mobile ones, is the only one that is extendable since it must be in charge of regulating the implement.
Current tractor technology includes the inclusion of an electronic sensitivity system in the articulated arms capable of detecting and canceling any pressure that exceeds the limits pre-established by the manufacturers, thanks to which it is possible to avoid breakdowns.
Song «Yellow Tractor»
In 1992 , a song became the summer hit of several Spanish-speaking countries: "Yellow Tractor." This is a song composed and recorded by the group Zapato Veloz , which was formed in Asturias ( Spain ) in 1991 and remained active until 1994 .
The lyrics of the song recommend in a comical tone the purchase of a tractor, since "it is the cheapest way to have a convertible." Summer is usually associated with gatherings to listen to music and drink, and this type of seemingly carefree music is an ideal complement.
The term in colloquial language
In colloquial language, finally, an individual who has great physical strength is described as a "tractor."
For example: «The guy is a tractor, I'm sure he will succeed» , «The new striker signed by the Catalan team is a tractor: he has amazing power » .