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What do I Need in a Tractor Engine?

Klaus Strasser
Klaus Strasser

A tractor can serve as a vital part of any successful farm. The engine of a tractor is like its heart. What you need in a tractor engine generally depends on the precise tasks you have in mind for your tractor. Other things you may want to consider are the price, quality, brand, and serviceability of the tractor engine.

Modern tractor engines usually employ internal combustion engines. These engines create the combustion of fuel by using an oxidizer, such as air. Since the 1960s, most tractors use diesel engines. According to the near ubiquity of diesel engines, it can be a good choice for your tractor engine as you may have easier access to diesel fuel, maintenance problems will be easier to fix, and spare parts may be more readily available if you need to repair something in the engine.

A farmer uses a tractor to till a field.
A farmer uses a tractor to till a field.

Depending on what the tractor is being used for, diesel engines usually have a power output ranging from 16 to 480 horsepower. Determining the power output you need from your engine can be an important part of making your decision. Normally, it is best to decide what exactly you want to use your tractor for as this can help you decide what kind of engine is needed. Horsepower typically is used to distinguish the different kinds of tractors and tractor engines because it tells you which type of tasks the tractor will be able to perform.

A bale of hay produced from a hay baler.
A bale of hay produced from a hay baler.

Tractors with less that 25 horsepower usually can only perform simple lawn work. Tractor engines that have between 25 and 65 horsepower can be used for horse farms, nurseries, and other small businesses. Tractor engines with a horsepower above 65 are generally recommended for more demanding agricultural work, such as plowing or hay bailing.

Many different types of brands of tractor engines are available. After selecting what kind of work you want to do with your tractor and choosing the appropriate horsepower, it can be a good idea to research all these different marks to decide which is best for you. Many times a professional tractor dealer will be able to help you with your choice between brands. Your dealer could potentially provide you with valuable advice on drawbacks and advantages of certain products.

There is a tractor size for every farm purpose.
There is a tractor size for every farm purpose.

Sometimes you may only need engine parts for your tractor engine. There are many tractor engine suppliers that should be able to help you acquire these parts. Many tractor engine kits are also available for purchase. These kits may provide you with the specific parts you need to repair your damaged tractor engine.

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    • A farmer uses a tractor to till a field.
      By: Valcho
      A farmer uses a tractor to till a field.
    • A bale of hay produced from a hay baler.
      By: Stefano Neri
      A bale of hay produced from a hay baler.
    • There is a tractor size for every farm purpose.
      By: Andrey Bandurenko
      There is a tractor size for every farm purpose.
    • Anything more than a small hobby farm will typically require a tractor with an engine above 65 horsepower.
      By: Johan Larson
      Anything more than a small hobby farm will typically require a tractor with an engine above 65 horsepower.