A tractor is a tool that converts machine energy into mechanical energy, which is used as a puller or pusher for loads that require large power. There are several types of tractors based on their propulsion, including:
- Micro tractor: <17 horse power (hp)
- Mini tractor: 17-29 hp
- Medium tractor: 29-60 hp
- Large tractor: 60-107 hp
- Very large tractor: 107 hp
In addition, tractors are also differentiated based on the type of wheel. The first type of tractor is two-wheeled tractor and the other is four-wheeled tractors. Tractors are widely used to cultivate land in agriculture. For example, they are used to plow on rice fields and plantations before planting.
A tractor is basically a machine that provides machine power for performing agricultural tasks. Tractors can be used to pull a variety of farm implements for plowing, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, and harvesting crops, and can also be used for hauling materials and personal transportation
Although the tractor as a modern agricultural tools are promising, it still has advantages and disadvantages that farmers should consider before using it.
Advantages of Tractors
1. Work Done Faster
On rice field and plantations, if you plow the land manually it would cost more money and consume more time. By using tractor, you can plow your land faster and effectively rather than using manual tools such as hoes. This is the main reason farmers choose to cultivate their land using tractor.
2. Easy to Use
The tractor is one of the plowing tools that is easy to use. By using tractor, you just need to start the engine, after that, just run the tractor and then direct it accordingly to the soil you want to loosened.
3. Better Soil Results
Another advantage of using a tractor is better soil yields. This is because using a tractor with a machine, the soil that is loosened is deeper, so when the soil yield is better, the plants planted on it can also provide better yields.
Meanwhile, if you use a hoe, the soil loosening process may result in uneven results, depending on the strength of the hoe.
4. High Quality Harvest
The fourth advantage of the tractor is that it provides better quality crops. In line with the advantages of the tractor which gives better soil yields.
So the crop yields are also closely related to the quality of the soil when the it is first cultivated. The more loose the soil, the better the yields will be harvested afterwards.
5. Reducing Production Costs
The next advantage of tractor is that it can help to reduce production costs. This is because by using tractor, works are getting faster to complete. If the work is done quickly, you can cut your daily cost more, compared to using manual method.
Disadvantages of Tractors
1. Cause Pollution
The disadvantage of the tractor engine is that this equipment caused air pollution. Air pollution means the presence of one or more chemical, biological and physical substances in the atmosphere where it can endanger all living things on earth.
2. Using Fuel
Tractors work with machines so they need fuel, therefore the costs incurred are not only for maintenance, but also for fuel. Without fuel the tractor cannot run for use.
Fuel is a material that can be converted into energy, because fuel contains heat energy that can be released and manipulated. There are various types of fuel that tractor use, such as kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and LP gas.
3. Using Chemicals
The third disadvantage of tractors is that they use chemicals, chemicals are pure substances in the form of matter that contain constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.
There are several disadvantages in using a tractor engine which is more related to the air pollution it causes.
So the tractor machine that is use for agricultural purpose has its advantages and disadvantages. This can be adapted to your needs and efficiency in working on agricultural land.
The parts of the tractor are different for each type, as well as the advantages and disadvantages may vary, depending on the type of tractor.