Contents
Tractors
Tractors are the main prime movers used in the revegetation of rangelands. They supply the force to move implements and power many accessories. Most tractors are equipped with hydraulic systems and power-take-offs. Hydraulics supply the force required to raise and lower implements and to operate remote cylinders and hydraulic motors. The power-take-off supplies power through a rotating shaft to implements attached to the tractor. Micro-processors and electronics now play a major part in controlling many functions, making the tractor more efficient and easy to operate. Tractors can be used on most terrain if safety procedures are followed. The broad range of horsepower available in tractors is sufficient to accomplish any reasonable revegetation application. Different tractors are described in the following sections and additional information on horsepower is listed in Appendix Horsepower.
Rear-wheel Drive
Tractor Modifications for Rangeland Use
Front-wheel Assist
Bulldozer Blades
Four-wheel Drive
Tractor and Tire Protection
Crawlers
Crawler Tractor Hitches
Rear-Wheel-Drive Tractors Top of Page
Description
Rubber-tired, rear-wheel-drive tractors are designed to pull small to large implements on level to undulating ground. These tractors are usually powered by diesel engines. Gasoline engines are available only in the smallest models. Tractor horsepower ranges from 30 to about 175, but is usually less 140. Tractors less than 30 horsepower are usually residential models. Transmissions can be standard or shift-on-the-go with eight to 20 forward gears and several reverse gears. Tractors are equipped with a rear-mounted, three-point hitch and a trailing drawbar. The three-point hitch is instrumented to control load, depth, and weight transfer for optimum traction. A few models also have a front mounted three-point hitch. Tractors are equipped with specially designed cabs that are air conditioned and heated. They have power adjusted seats, finger tip adjustment of all controls, and many other conveniences. Tractors without cabs are equipped with roll-over protection structures. Hydraulic systems provide power for steering, brakes, lift capacity for the three-point hitch, and from one to five outlets for remote cylinders and/or motors. Power-take-off shafts operate at 540 or 1,000 rpm. Dual rear wheels provide higher horsepower tractors with added traction, reduced soil compaction, and stability in some situations.
Application
Rear-wheel-drive tractors are very maneuverable and create little soil disturbance when turning. Large rear wheels provide the traction necessary to pull implements in firm to loose soil without undue soil compaction. Small front tires provide the operator with good visibility and are used to steer the tractor. It is important to match tractor size to pulling requirements and size of the implement. Consideration must be given to addition of wheel weights and/or liquid in the rear tires for increased traction. Weights on the front of the tractor are necessary for weight transfer (increased traction) and stability. Tractors are designed to pull either large loads at slow speeds or lighter loads at higher speeds. Field speeds up to 10 mph are possible, but rangeland applications usually vary from 2 to 5 mph. Many attachments are available including front-end loaders. To meet the need for more traction, drive wheels can be added to the front axle (see the section on Front-wheel Assist). Soil compaction from tractors can be a problem when soil moisture is high.
Rear-wheel-drive tractor.
Photo courtesy of AGCO.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses.
AGCO Corporation
4205 River Green Parkway
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 770-813-9200
Fax: 770-813-6158
Website:
www.agcocorp.com
Antonio Carraro SpA
210 Jefferson Street Suite 203
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 707-252-1672
Fax: 707-252-8413
Website:
www.acamerica.com
Belarus Tractor International, Inc.
7075 West Parkland Court
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: 800-356-2336
Fax: 414-355-6903
Website:
www.belarus.com
Branson Tractor Company
Division of Dragon Tractor Corp.
1129 South Chattanooga Street
Lafayette, GA 30728
Phone: 877-734-2022
Fax: 877-734-0637
Website: www.bransontractor.com
Case IH
700 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
Phone: 262-636-6011
Fax: 262-636-6078
Website:
www.caseih.com
Challenger (Caterpillar
rubber-track)
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.challenger.agcocorp.com
Deere & Company
John Deere World Headquarters
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 309-765-8000
Fax: 309-765-4225
Website:
www.deere.com
Fendt
See: AGCO Corporation
Webpage:
www.fendt.agcocorp.com
Kioti Tractor Division
DAEDONG—USA, Inc.
1801 Quality Drive
Wilson, NC 27893
Phone: 252-291-6111
Fax: 252-291-9161
Website:
www.kiotitractor.com
Kubota Tractor Corporation USA
3401 Del Amo Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90504
Phone: 310-370-3370
Fax: 310-370-2370
Website:
www.kubota.com
Landini USA, Inc.
3675 Crestwood Parkway Suite 505
Duluth, GA 30096-5054
Phone: 678-924-9885
Fax: 678-924-9887
Website:
www.landiniusa.com
Long Agribusiness LLC
P.O. Box 1139
Tarboro, NC 27886-1139
Phone: 252-823-4151
Fax: 252-823-4576
Website:
www.longagri.com
McCormick USA, Inc.
P.O. Box 81
Pella, IA 50219
Phone: 866-327-6733
Fax: 641-621-7932
Website:
www.mccormick-intl.com
Mahindra USA, Inc.
17723 FM 2920
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: 800-887-2286
Fax: 281-351-2656
Website:
www.mahindrausa.com
Massey Ferguson
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.masseyferguson.agcocorp.com
New Holland North America
500 Diller Avenue
New Holland, PA 17557
Phone: 888-290-7377
Website:
www.newholland.com
Same Deutz-Fahr North America
4801 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083-1101
Phone: 770-493-7667
Fax: 770-493-7917
Website:
www.sametractors.net
Tafe USA, Inc.
1014 Highway 348 West
Guntown, MS 38849
Phone: 662-869-1028
Fax: 662-869-1030
Website:
www.tafetractors.com
Valtra USA, Inc.
2500 W. Higgins Road Suite 125
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
Phone: 847-490-3536
Fax: 847-490-4263
Website:
www.valtra.com
Zetor Tractors
American Jawa Ltd.
7301 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-540-5618
Fax: 717-540-5863
Website:
www.zetor.com
Front-Wheel-Assist Tractors Top of Page
Description
Front-wheel-assist tractors use a mechanical drive to the front wheels as well as the rear wheels. These tractors have become very popular in all horsepower ranges because they provide increased traction (pulling/pushing capacity) when soil conditions are not ideal. Front wheels on these tractors are larger than front wheels on two-wheel-drive tractors but smaller than the rear-drive wheels. Front-wheel-assist tractors are an extension of the rear-wheel drive tractors, but many models have more advanced controls over all phases of tractor operation. Horsepower selections from 30 to over 250 are available. In the higher horsepower range, dual tires are available for front wheels as well as duals or triples for the rear wheels. Transmissions can be standard or shift-on-the-go with up to 20 forward gears and several reverse gears. Some models automatically select optimum gear and engine speed for desired travel speed based on load and optimum engine efficiency. Tractors are equipped with a rear-mounted, three-point hitch and a trailing drawbar. The three-point hitch is instrumented to control load, depth, and weight transfer for optimum traction. A few models also have a front mounted three-point hitch. Tractors are normally equipped with climate controlled cabs because of the many electronic devices used to control accessories. Global position systems (GPS/GIS) are available to control variable-rate applicators such as fertilizers, sprayers, and planters. Some models use GPS to assist in steering. Tractors without cabs are equipped with roll-over protection structures. Hydraulic systems provide power for steering, brakes, lift capacity for the three-point hitch, and from one to five outlets for remote cylinders and/or motors. The hydraulic remote outlets are programmable for various functions. Power-take-off shafts operate at 540 or 1,000 rpm depending on tractor size. On some models the three-point-hitch-raise/lower switch can be programmed to control several other functions. This is helpful when turning.
Application
Front-wheel-assist tractors have specially designed front axles for tight turns. They are maneuverable and give little soil disturbance when turning. These tractors are powerful and can pull and lift very large, heavy implements. Multiple tasks are possible in one tractor operation to accomplish complex revegetation projects. Matching tire size to the tractor manufacturer’s specifications is very important to prevent undue tire or power train wear. Consideration must be given to addition of wheel weights and/or liquid in the tires for increased traction. Weights on the front of the tractor are still necessary. The front-to-rear weight ratio is different than for rear-wheel drive tractors; therefore, manufacturer’s recommendations on the addition of extra weight should be followed for optimum tractor performance. If not in balance, a very noticeable vibration called “power hop” occurs under stressful pulling conditions. Reduced traction occurs during power hop and the resulting vibration is detrimental to the tractor. Dual and triple wheel combinations are used on many of the higher horsepower tractors to provide sufficient traction to pull large implements and reduce soil compaction. Soil compaction can be a problem with these heavy tractors in high moisture soil conditions. Sites with logs, stumps, and thorns can damage the tires. Tractor shielding and tire protection are necessary when operating on debris-littered wildland (see Tractor Modifications for Rangeland Use).
Small tractor using front-wheel assist.
Front-wheel assist on a 200 plus
Photo courtesy of Kubota
horsepower tractor using duals.
Photo courtesy of John Deere.
Bi-directional tractor with implement hitches
front and rear. Photo courtesy of New Holland.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses.
AGCO Corporation
4205 River Green Parkway
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 770-813-9200
Fax: 770-813-6158
Website:
www.agcocorp.com
Antonio Carraro SpA
210 Jefferson Street Suite 203
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 707-252-1672
Fax: 707-252-8413
Website:
www.acamerica.com
Belarus Tractor International, Inc.
7075 West Parkland Court
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: 800-356-2336
Fax: 414-355-6903
Website:
www.belarus.com
Branson Tractor Company
Division of Dragon Tractor Corp.
1129 South Chattanooga Street
Lafayette, GA 30728
Phone: 877-734-2022
Fax: 877-734-0637
Website: www.bransontractor.com
Case IH
700 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
Phone: 262-636-6011
Fax: 262-636-6078
Website:
www.caseih.com
Challenger (Caterpillar
rubber-track)
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.challenger.agcocorp.com
Deere & Company
John Deere World Headquarters
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 309-765-8000
Fax: 309-765-4225
Website:
www.deere.com
Fendt
See: AGCO Corporation
Webpage:
www.fendt.agcocorp.com
Kioti Tractor Division
DAEDONG—USA, Inc.
1801 Quality Drive
Wilson, NC 27893
Phone: 252-291-6111
Fax: 252-291-9161
Website:
www.kiotitractor.com
Kubota Tractor Corporation USA
3401 Del Amo Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90504
Phone: 310-370-3370
Fax: 310-370-2370
Website:
www.kubota.com
Landini USA, Inc.
3675 Crestwood Parkway Suite 505
Duluth, GA 30096-5054
Phone: 678-924-9885
Fax: 678-924-9887
Website:
www.landiniusa.com
Long Agribusiness LLC
P.O. Box 1139
Tarboro, NC 27886-1139
Phone: 252-823-4151
Fax: 252-823-4576
Website:
www.longagri.com
McCormick USA, Inc.
P.O. Box 81
Pella, IA 50219
Phone: 866-327-6733
Fax: 641-621-7932
Website:
www.mccormick-intl.com
Mahindra USA, Inc.
17723 FM 2920
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: 800-887-2286
Fax: 281-351-2656
Website:
www.mahindrausa.com
Massey Ferguson
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.masseyferguson.agcocorp.com
New Holland North America
500 Diller Avenue
New Holland, PA 17557
Phone: 888-290-7377
Website:
www.newholland.com
Same Deutz-Fahr North America
4801 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083-1101
Phone: 770-493-7667
Fax: 770-493-7917
Website:
www.sametractors.net
Tafe USA, Inc.
1014 Highway 348 West
Guntown, MS 38849
Phone: 662-869-1028
Fax: 662-869-1030
Website:
www.tafetractors.com
Valtra USA, Inc.
2500 W. Higgins Road Suite 125
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
Phone: 847-490-3536
Fax: 847-490-4263
Website:
www.valtra.com
Zetor Tractors
American Jawa Ltd.
7301 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-540-5618
Fax: 717-540-5863
Website:
www.zetor.com
Four-Wheel-Drive Tractors Top of Page
Description
Four-wheel-drive tractors use articulate steering. Tires are the same size on both the front and rear axles. These tractors are designed to pull very large loads on wide open spaces. Horsepower ranges from 250 to 500 or more. Transmissions are standard or shift-on-the-go with up to 20 forward gears and several reverse gears. They are equipped with climate controlled cabs and have many of the same features described for front-wheel-assist tractors. These include power seats, finger-tip controls, and features to give optimum engine efficiency and hydraulic performance. Multiple hydraulic control valves for remote devices are available. Tractors are equipped with a drawbar hitch; a three-point hitch is optional. Duals or triple wheels are commonly used on both front and rear. An option available from some manufacturers is a rubber-track instead of rubber tires.
Application
Four-wheel-drive tractors are very powerful and are used to pull very wide implements or implements pulled in tandem. Wheels can be adjusted for row crops. These tractors are commonly used to pull very large subsoilers, disks, chisel plows, air seeders, and land leveling scrapers. Tire size, wheel weights, liquid added to the tires, and weight distribution (front to rear ratios) are all critical for the necessary traction and should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If not in balance, a noticeable vibration called “power hop” occurs under stressful pulling conditions. Reduced traction occurs during power hop and the resulting vibration can damage the tractor. Tractors used on debris-littered rangeland require special tire modifications (see section on tractor modifications for rangeland use). The rubber-track system overcomes much of the soil compaction problem associated with rubber tires, and when properly weighted, track systems are more stable on slopes.
Rubber-track tractor. Articulate-steered, four-wheel-
Photo courtesy John Deere.
drive tractor. Photo courtesy
of Case IH.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses.
AGCO Corporation
4205 River Green Parkway
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 770-813-9200
Fax: 770-813-6158
Website:
www.agcocorp.com
Buhler Versatile
1201 Regent Avenue West
Winnipeg, MB
Canada R2C 3B2
Phone: 204-661-8711
Fax: 204-654-2503
Website:
www.buhler.com
Case IH
700 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
Phone: 262-636-6011
Website:
www.caseih.com
Challenger (Caterpillar
rubber-track)
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.challenger.agcocorp.com
Deere & Company
John Deere World Headquarters
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 309-765-8000
Fax: 309-765-4225
Website:
www.deere.com
Massey Ferguson
See: AGCO Corporation
Website:
www.masseyferguson.agcocorp.com
New Holland North America
500 Diller Avenue
New Holland, PA 17557
Phone: 888-290-7377
Website:
www.newholland.com
Description
Crawler tractors are designed to pull or push very large loads at slow speeds and can operate on rough terrain, rocky areas, or steep slopes. They move over a pair of steel tracks that revolve around two or three sprockets and a series of rollers. Cleats on the track are 2- to 3-inches tall and provide traction. The cleat and associated portion of the track is called a grouser. Grousers are about 24-inches wide. They are available is a variety of sizes and types depending on wet or dry soil conditions, presence of rocks, and desired ground pressure and weight distribution. Turning is accomplished by reducing the power to one of the tracks. Diesel powered engines vary in size from 65 to 1,150 horsepower. Transmissions can be direct-drive, power-shift, or hydrostatic. Tractor speed varies from less that 1 mph to about 7 mph. Climate controlled cabs are available with power seats and electronically controlled transmission and hydraulic functions. Options are available to control steering and gear selection from one lever and all hydraulic controls from a second lever. Roll-over protection structures are standard with both cab and open canopy models. Bulldozer blades are standard.
Application
Crawler tractors are well suited for many revegetation and reclamation projects because they are rugged and versatile machines that can move tremendous loads relative to their size. Crawlers can be used on rough, debris-littered terrain that is not practical for rubber-tired tractors. They can also be used on wet, spongy soil. Small crawlers are versatile for confined areas. For most rangeland applications, horsepower will be between 65 to 300 and their operating speed between 2 to 3 mph. Track-type tractors disturb the soil, especially when turning and this can be a concern in fragile environments.
Crawler tractor used in site preparation.
Photo courtesy of Caterpillar Inc.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses.
Case Construction Business
Case, LLC
621 State Street
Racine, WI 53402-5133
Phone: 262-636-6011
Fax: 262-636-7407
Website:
www.casece.com
Caterpillar Inc.
100 NE Adams
Peoria, IL 61628
Ph. 309-675-1000
Website:
www.cat.com
Deere & Company
John Deere World Headquarters
One John Deere Place
Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 309-765-8000
Fax: 309-765-4225
Website:
www.deere.com
Komatsu American Corp.
P.O. Box 8112
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-8112
Phone: 847-970-4100
Fax: 847-970-4194
Website:
www.komatsuamerica.com
New Holland Construction
245 East North Avenue
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: 630-260-4000
Fax: 630-260-4605
Website:
www.newhollandconstruction.com
Tractor Modifications for Rangeland Use Top of Page
Description
Bulldozer (or dozer) blades are attached on the front of crawler tractors for the purpose of moving objects or soil. The blade height, tilt angle, and pitch are adjusted hydraulically, and they are supplied by the crawler tractor manufacturer. Dozer blades are also available for rubber-tired tractors as optional equipment from independent manufacturers.
Application
Bulldozer blades are used to remove trees, clear land, construct roads, excavate ditches and ponds, dig contour trenches, and rake brush. The blades can be very a useful tool to shape sites before revegetation.
Dozer blade mounted on farm tractor.
Photo courtesy of Leon’s Mfg.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and email addresses.
See Crawler Tractor Manufacturers
Degelman
Industries Ltd.
Box 830
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada S4P 3B1
Phone: 306-543-4447
Fax: 306-543-2140
Website:
www.degelman.com
Holt-Cat
Custom Engineered Products
P.O. Box 207916
San Antonio, TX 78220-7916
Phone: 210-648-8415
Fax: 210-648-8875
Website:
www.holt-texasag.com
Leon’s
Manufacturing Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 5002
Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Canada S3N 3Z4
Phone: 306-786-2600
Fax: 306-782-1884
Website:
www.leonsmfg.com
Tractor and Tire Protection Top of Page
Description
Protection of the operator and critical tractor parts are vital to the successful use of tractors in the brush control phase of revegetation. Heavy frames with special screens are needed to protect cabs or operators in open canopies when crawler tractors are used to fell large trees. When operating in area dominated by thorny shrubs, rubber-tired tractors need special tires, front-end guards, belly pans, shielding of the operator or cabin, and, in some circumstances, engine side guards. When shrubs are being shredded, sturdy shielding behind the operator is needed.
Application
Very few companies provide protective frameworks for crawler tractors. Most adaptations are fabricated in a welding shop. Protection for rubber-tired tractors is universally constructed at local welding or fabrication shops. Various methods are use for tire protection. These include steel-belted tires, tire liners, airplane tires (used), rice-tires with 3- to 4-inch lug height (R-2 treads), liquid sealants, and “foam” filling. Foam filling is not foam, but a special polyurethane compound used to completely fill the tire. The product is available in several grades of hardness, and these solid tires do not deflate when punctured. They do retain some of the pneumatic characteristics of air-filled tires. Foam filling is expensive, but may be cost effective because there are no flats. Airplane tires require modification of wheels and rims to be used on tractors.
Farm tractor with front grill, belly pan, rear screen
to protect the operator, and foam filled tires.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses. Information may also be available at local tire dealerships and welding shops.
Airplane
Tire Salvage
10118 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78214
Phone: 210-627-2691
Fax: 210-627-2927
ARNCO
4005 Industry Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37416
Phone: 423-499-3788
Fax: 423-499-4115
Website:
www.arnconet.com
Carpenter
Company
5016 Monument Avenue
P.O. Box 27205
Richmond, VA 23261
Phone: 804-359-0800
Fax: 804-355-7708
Synair
Corporation
P.O. Box 5269
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: 423-697-0400
Fax: 423-697-0424
Website:
www.synair.com
Crawler Tractor Hitches Top of Page
Description
Crawler tractors are designed for a drawbar hitch and a winch on the rear of the tractor or a ripper toolbar. Toolbars for agricultural implements are available for smaller crawlers (120 horsepower or less). These hitches attach to the trunions on the side on the tractor. Aftermarket three-point hitches are available for smaller crawlers. Hydraulic cylinders are used to control implement height and depth for both toolbar styles. Implement-carrier hitches designed for grain and no-till drills are hooked to the tractor’s drawbar. They are supported with rubber tires of sufficient size to support the weight of the implements. These hitches have several methods of attaching implements including three-point hitches, and they may be designed for single or multiple drills or tillage tools. Specialized hitches for Forest Service implements used in fire protection or range revegetation have been developed but must be fabricated in a machine shop.
Application
Hitches adapted to crawler tractors allow for the use of tillage implements, or land-forming equipment. Precautions should be taken to size the tool to the pulling capacity of the tractor to prevent undue implement breakage. There is no draft control on these hitches; the operator must monitor implement depth. Ripper toolbars are optional equipment supplied by the manufacturer. Implement carriers can be used in some situations where it is not practical to install three-point or toolbar hitches that attach directly to the rear of the tractor. Implement-carrier also called tool-carrier hitches provide a viable method of towing agricultural implements used in revegetation. They are available from drill manufacturers (see Seeder and Drills).
The Forest
Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) can provide
drawings of an implement-carrying hitch, tandem-Brushland-Plow hitch, and a
hitch for two or three Rangeland Drills. These drawings originally were
done by the San Dimas Technology and Development Center, but are now filed
at MTDC.
Aftermarket 3-point hitch for
Implement-tool carrier with a 3-point
crawler tractor.
hitch at the rear, a tool carrier in the
Photo courtesy of TDS Equipment. middle, and drawbar hitch at the
front.
Photo courtesy of Tye-AGCO.
Sources
The manufacturers' websites list information on equipment sizes, accessories, dealers, and their email addresses. Several drill manufacturers market implement carriers.
Holt-Cat
Custom Engineered Products
P.O. Box 207916
San Antonio, TX 78220-7916
Phone: 210-648-8415
Fax: 210-648-8875
Website:
www.holt-texasag.com
Rome Plow
Company
P.O. Box 48
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: 770-748-4450
Fax: 770-748-4427
Website:
www.romeplow.com
TDS
Equipment (3-point hitches)
30052 Three Mile Lane
Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone: 541-561-7437
Fax: 541-567-1175
Email:
tds@eoni.com
USDA
Forest Service
Missoula Technology and Development Center
5785 Highway 10 West
Missoula, MT 59808-9361
Phone: 406-329-3978
Fax: 409-329-3719
Website:
www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/enter.pl