Impact of Soil on Tractor Selection

06-02-2024

Impact of Soil on Tractor Selection

The type of soil and terrain shape play a significant role in choosing a tractor for farm work. Why is that? You’ll find out from this article. You’ll also learn what to consider when purchasing a tractor, taking into account the type of soil your tractor will be working on. I encourage you to read on.

Does Soil Type Matter?

It might seem that by selecting a tractor based on the size of the farm and the type of work to be done, you have chosen the best model for yourself. Nothing could be further from the truth! You still need to take into account the type of soil on the farm and the terrain’s topography. Why? Because it may turn out that on a similar surface, in one farm where the soils are heavy or hilly, a tractor with a power of 100 HP will be needed, while in another, where the soil is light and the terrain is flat, a tractor with 40 HP may be completely sufficient. How to deal with this?

Soil Conditions

When selecting the tractor’s power, it’s essential to consider the type of soil – the denser the soil, the more powerful the tractor needs to be.

On heavy and wet grounds, a priority is a high tractor power and good tires or the use of tracks to prevent excessive soil compaction. Agricultural tires, as the name suggests, are designed for work on farms. They provide the ability to move on muddy terrain, such as fields, sands, peat, etc. The appropriate tire type will ensure the highest efficiency and safety during work. When working on delicate or wet grounds, the total weight becomes crucial – a lightweight tractor can help reduce the soil pressure, protecting it from excessive compaction.

Terrain Topography

The terrain’s topography on which the machine will operate will also have a significant impact – whether it is hilly, undulating, or flat. Similar to soil considerations, where difficult terrain (e.g., mountain slopes) may require a more powerful engine, though it is not a rule.

When working in challenging terrain conditions, having a four-wheel drive (4WD) tractor becomes crucial. It is especially important on muddy and hilly terrain. Meanwhile, the front-wheel drive prevents wheel slippage. All of this affects the tractor’s operating costs – fuel consumption and tire wear. In fields with uneven, undulating terrain, a mechanical differential lock becomes essential, providing better traction and maneuverability of the tractor.

In LS Tractor’s offer, you can find tractors with a permanent drive to both axles – 4WD, which facilitates movement and improves traction during dynamic acceleration and cornering. An automatic gearbox will play a significant role. The number of gears in the transmission (12×12, 16×16, 24×24) affects the precision of work.

Choose Your LS Tractor

The type of soil and terrain shape is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when purchasing a tractor for your farm. Especially if you want the work to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. With this knowledge, we encourage you to visit our website. You will find a wide selection of LS brand tractors that will undoubtedly meet your expectations. And if you need assistance, feel free to contact us. Our specialists will be happy to help you resolve any doubts.