The first recorded use of the word meaning 'an engine or vehicle for pulling wagons or plows' occurred in 1896, from the earlier term ' traction motor' (1859). The word tractor was taken from Latin, being the agent noun of trahere 'to pull'. Agricultural implements may be towed behind or mounted on the tractor, and the tractor may also provide a source of power if the implement is mechanised.Ī modern Ukrainian tractor XTZ-243K This Hayes WHDX 70-170 6×6 ballast tractor is also a form of tractor, as are artillery tractors and the power units which pull semi-trucks Agricultural tractors per 100 square kilometres of arable land Etymology Most commonly, the term is used to describe a farm vehicle that provides the power and traction to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially (and originally) tillage, and now many more. The Ford N-series tractor helped revolutionize modern mechanized agriculture with its Ferguson three point hitchĪ tractor is an engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling a trailer or machinery such as that used in agriculture, mining or construction. For other uses, see Tractor (disambiguation).
For other specific forms tractors take, see Tractor unit. This article is about the vehicle used in agriculture or construction.
