12 - 60HP Tractor

Cab
The cab is where the operator controls the 24 - 60HP tractor and any connected implements. Most modern tractors have a closed cab for driver comfort. The cab itself can be made from either metal or GRP panels and sits on mounting bushes to reduce vibration.

Instruments
The instrument panel is where the controls are for the 24 - 60HP tractor. Most tractors have separate fuel and temperature gauges along with a speedometer and rev counter.

Linkage controls
The linkage controls are usually located to the left of the driver. These consist of hydraulic levers that can be used to attach various implements. The 24 - 60HP tractor's PTO controls are also located here for ease of use.

Front axle
The front axle provides a mounting point for the front wheels. Most front axles consist of either a rigid tubular construction or I-section steel which pivots in the middle. The front axle also contains the front differential that distributes power to the wheels via a drive shaft.

Rear Axle
The rear axle provides a mounting point for the rear wheels. Most of the 24 - 60HP tractor's drive is delivered through the rear axle so it's much stronger than the front axle. The rear axle also contains the rear differential which delivers drive via a linkage.

Differential
The differential serves two purposes. It delivers drive from the engine and allows both wheels on the axle to rotate at different speeds. This is required because during a turn, the outside wheel has further to travel than the inside wheel.

Steering box
Most 24 - 60HP tractors have a steering box that contains the drag link, kingpin and steering gears. Some modern tractors have 4-wheel steering. In this case, there is no steering box as the wheels are controlled independently using the 24 - 60HP tractor's hydraulic system.

Brakes
Modern 24 - 60HP tractors use either wet or dry braking systems. Dry braking systems consist of a drum or disc attached to the drive axle. Wet braking systems consist of a set of discs sealed inside a drum filled with gear oil. This helps to dissipate heat and keep dirt out.

Engine
The engine is mounted longitudinally up front and provides drive to the gearbox behind. The engine also serves as a mounting point for the water pump, hydraulic pump and alternator.

Gearbox
A traditional gearbox consists of a set of gears, shafts and bearings that deliver power from the engine to the drive axle. But most modern tractors have a gearbox that uses a single belt in place of multiple gears.

Clutch
The clutch connects the drive from the engine to the gearbox. Most modern 24 - 60HP tractors use a fluid clutch, not a friction clutch like the one in your car. This allows more power to be transferred at low revs.

PTO
The PTO (Power Take-Off) connects to the transmission to provide power to attached implements. Most 24 - 60HP tractors have a single rear PTO, but some tractors also have a front PTO. This allows implements to be connected to both the front and rear of the tractor.

Hydraulic pump
Most 24 - 60HP tractors use a hydraulic gear pump to generate pressure in the hydraulic system. The power of the pump varies depending on the size of the 24 - 60HP tractor, but you can expect anything from 150 to 200 kg/cm2.

Hydraulic cylinder
The hydraulic cylinder, sometimes called a RAM cylinder, transmits fluid from the piston to the hydraulic arm. The increase in pressure causes the arm to lift when required by the operator.