About Tractor Parts & Repair: Our site brings you the info and resources you need to care for your tractor. Learn more about Tractor Chassis here, and find the parts you need to maintain your tractor and keep it at optimal performance.
Tractor Chassis
The most basic design in current walker tractor chassis is that of the longer bottom is provided with the engine, operating mechanism, and transmission compartment, while simple in construction, very practical, widely used in the agricultural field. They are available in front, mid and back-axle designs and they can be equipped with electric motors, gasoline or diesel engines. The axles are usually placed in a conventional location for greater maneuverability. In many tractors, the cab-over design is common, where the tractor is placed in the cab and drove off either end by a push rod. Many tractors are also fitted with drive-by-wire controls, so the controls are operated by the tractor via a wire located inside the cab.
Longon frame construction of the cab-over design, which is the most popular tractor chassis design in use today, is made of steel tubes to provide strength and rigidity, as well as provide adequate spacing between the cab and tractor frame to facilitate loading and unloading operations. A two-link rear suspension system is fitted on the cab side for handling heavy loads, as well as a one-link front suspension, both of which are fitted with hydro-statically-assisted locking control operation. A one-link rear suspension design is the most desirable, as it allows the control to be operated from the cab. The cab-over design is often fitted with a winch, especially on long tractors, to allow the driver to tow the tractor or other implements with a winch.
As a result of the weight of the tractor and extra load, it is often necessary to modify the frame of the tractor to provide adequate space and accommodate the extra load. This is done by fitting a center frame rail on the frame, especially on a flat-bed style tractor, or by making an integral frame modification. Both of these procedures require removal of the cab and framework, however, so it is advisable to be certain that you have adequate clearance from the existing frame to the additional frame rail or other structure, if there is. Finally, in order to have a smooth running tractor, it is advisable to fit over-the-road tires to allow smooth tracking.