Traction class of the tractor: table, features

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

In the territory of the CIS countries, tractors are classified according to a system based on the traction characteristics of the equipment. Today we will get acquainted with such a concept as the traction class of tractors. A table and a description of each of the classes will help us with this.

General concepts

The traction class expresses the most important characteristic of tractors - the maximum level of tractive effort that the machine can develop. But there is one caveat: this very effort may depend on the type of soil and the operating conditions of the equipment. For example, in a wet meadow or swampy area, a tractor will not be able to pull the load as successfully as in sand or a dry field. Therefore, the traction class of the tractor is measured under strictly standardized conditions.

In the case of agricultural machines, the classification is based on the force developed under the following conditions:

1. Soil type - stubble crops.
2. Soil moisture – 20-30%
3. Soil hardness is normal.
4. Slippage: 16% - for wheeled 4x2; 14% - for wheeled 4x4; 3% for tracked vehicles.

The traction class of tractors is indicated by a figure indicating the traction force in ton-force (tf). Sometimes there is an indication of the class in kilonewtons (kN). Converting one value to another is not at all difficult: in 1 kN - approximately 10 tf. Therefore, if it is written, for example, that the tractor belongs to the 14 kN class, then this is a 1, 4-traction class.

Classification

Today, 17 traction classes are distinguished, covering all equipment, from small walk-behind tractors to tractors of record power. The current agricultural machine models are in the first eight classes. Three more classes are reserved for walk-behind tractors and mini-tractors. In recent years, powerful agricultural machines of the 7th class have also appeared. And earlier this class included only industrial tractors. It will help to better understand what the traction class of tractors is, the table below.

Classification by groups

Agricultural tractors, depending on the purpose, are divided into six groups:

1. Mini tractors. This includes representatives of 0, 2-0, 4 classes. The equipment is designed to work in small areas and involves the use of additional attachments or trailed equipment. Also suitable for transport work.
2. Universal tractors. These are cars from 0, 6 to 2 class. The equipment is designed for general farm work, cultivation, processing and harvesting of row crops.
3. Universal row row. By class, these are the same tractors as in the previous group. However, they are intended for primary tillage (plowing, harrowing, cultivation), sowing, harvestingworks, cultivation of crops and solving transport problems.
4. General purpose tractors. This group includes classes from 3 to 7. The machines are intended for energy-intensive operations: plowing, cultivation, snow retention, stubble peeling, reclamation work and transport operations. Such tractors are used, as a rule, in fields with a large area.
5. Specialized tractors. These can be machines of different classes, the main task of which is to process a certain culture. There are vegetable growing, beet growing, cotton growing and others.
6. Self-propelled chassis. This group includes tractors of small classes, with a frame for a platform located in the front. The most famous of them is T-16.

Now let's analyze each tractor class separately, focusing on its features and giving specific examples.

0, Grade 2

As you already know, this class includes mini-tractors and heavy walk-behind tractors. This technique is intended for simple work in small areas. Often such tractors are used to drive all sorts of units and mechanisms. Today on the market you can find a lot of tractors of this class, starting from the early MTZ-082 and Belarus-112, and ending with modern ones: Belarus-08K, Uralets T-0, 2, KMZ-012, Ussuriets and so on. Further. Chinese models are also very popular in the domestic market: Foton TE-244, Chery FD15, Dong Feng DF 244, Xingtai XT-220, and others. There are also Japanese tractors 0, 2 classes, firms:Mitsubishi, Iseki and Kubota.

0, Grade 4

Today, domestic tractor plants do not produce equipment of this class. The only mass tractor of this group was once KhTZ-7. Its production did not last long - from 1950 to 1956. Among Chinese products, you can find products of this class. They are manufactured by Jinma.

0, 6th grade

Machines of this class are considered universal. This fact, along with a low price, determines their wide distribution. The class 0.6 tf includes such domestic vehicles: T-25A and T-30 (both are produced to this day at Vladimirsky TZ), self-propelled chassis T-16, VTZ-2032, and Belarus (versions: 310, 320 and 321). There are also Chinese models of firms in 0, 6th grade: Dong Feng, Chery and Jinma.

0, Grade 9

This class of tractor is also considered universal. With a draft of 0.9 tf, the tractor can be used for agricultural and transport purposes. The brightest and most popular representative of the class is the T-40/40A model. It has not been produced for more than two decades, but still faithfully serves business executives. Of the modern representatives, one can note the LTZ-55, VTZ-45 and TTZ-80.10.

1, 4th grade

Studying such a question as "traction class of a tractor", we gradually move on to more massive and powerful specimens. Class 1, 4 is considered the most massive in the agricultural sector, construction, housing and communal services, and many other industries. Therefore, this is perhaps the widest traction class. Tractors MTZ and "Belarus", among domestic representatives,it has the most. This class includes such veterans as: MTZ-50/52, MTZ-80/82, Belarus-80/82, all modifications of YuMZ-6, LTZ-95B, LTZ-60AV and many others. Of the more modern models, the 900 series of the "Belarus" series can be distinguished. As for foreign options, American models are the most popular: John Deere JD6020 / JD5020, AGCO MF3600 / MF3400. There are also "Germans" from Deutz-Fahr on the market, "Chinese": Dong Feng, Xingtai and others.

2 class

We are gradually starting to consider more powerful classes of tractors. The table shows that caterpillar models start from the second class. This is due to the increase in the load and the level of complexity of the tasks performed. By the way, 20 years ago, in this class you could only find a caterpillar tractor. Class 2 vehicles today, includes a lot of wheeled models. The most popular of the early tracked vehicles were the T-70 and T-54V. Later, a wheeled modification of the LTZ-155 appeared. Today, choosing a class 2 tractor, you can get confused in the abundance of models. Among the best modern devices presented on our market, we can distinguish: "Belarus 1221, 1222"; American John Deere 6020, 6130D and his countryman New Holland T6050 Delta; UK representative - CASE IH Maxxum 125; and "German" Deutz Agrofarm 430.

3 grade

This type of equipment is actively used in agricultural and industrial work. In the development of minerals and in the mining industry, you can also find this class of tractor. Class 3 has such typical representatives: wheeled or tracked T-150, allversions of the tracked DT-75, DT-175, and the modern Agromash 90. Of the new products deserve attention: "Belarus 1523", Terrion ATM 3180 and 6 series John Deere.

4 class

Machines of this class are mainly used in the steppe zone for processing soft viscous soil. There was a time when the 4th class was represented by only one tracked model - the T-4A and some specialized vehicles. Today on the market you can find wheeled and tracked "Belarus" (models 2022 and 2103, respectively); Terrion with models ATM 3180/4200; Kharkiv tractors KhTZ-181 and KhTZ-17221; as well as the Americans New Holland and John Deere (class 4 for both firms is represented by the seventh series).

5 grade

Equipment of this class is necessarily equipped with all-wheel drive and huge wheels with deep tread. It is used in a wide range of agricultural activities (pre-sowing, sowing and harvesting companies) and as a tractor for delivering trailers off-road. Of the domestic models, the most popular are the Kirovtsy, or rather, the K-700 model in all its modifications. Among the cars of the 5th class, one can also note: wheeled "Belarus" versions 2522, 2822, 3022 and 3023 and the Terrion ATM 5280 model; as well as tracked T-250 and T-501. As for foreign representatives, tractors gained popularity here: Buhler 2000, JD 8050 and Case New Holland's Magnum/STX series.

6 grade

Until recently, this class was considered the most powerful among agricultural tractors in the former CIS. into itincludes tracked vehicles T-130, T-100M, and K-744. They successfully solve agrotechnical, industrial, construction, mining and other tasks of increased complexity. The market of foreign models is represented by tractors: Case IH (versions STX380, 430, 480 and 530) and JD (versions 9430 and 9420).

7 grade

Here they are, the most powerful and energy-rich tractors for the agricultural sector. They are used for basic soil treatment and a wide range of other tasks. Key domestic models of the class: Terrion ATM 7360 and UDM-5K-02. Among foreign firms Buhler Versatile, New Holland, John Deere are famous. However, imported tractors are used by farmers to a very limited extent (about 10 machines are purchased per year).

Conclusion

Classifying tractors based on traction class allows you to quickly determine which tractor is ideal for certain jobs. Since the division has very clear boundaries, you can understand which model to choose without studying all the characteristics of the machines. Why is it important? On the one hand, if you choose a tractor that lacks power, it will not be able to do its job, especially if the weather conditions worsen. On the other hand, if the tractor is more powerful than necessary, it will consume more fuel, and the appetite of such machines is not weak. Consequently, both in the first and in the second case, the owner of the tractor will face losses. That's why there are no universal models.