About Tractor Parts & Repair: Our site brings you the info and resources you need to care for your tractor. Learn more about Tractor Transmission here, and find the parts you need to maintain your tractor and keep it at optimal performance.
Tractor Transmission
What exactly is a tractor transmission? When most people think of a tractor, they think of a monster-like machine that pushes a huge mass of grain or hay along through a field. In reality, a tractor transmission is much more subtle than that, it is much more related to how things are put together.
A standard tractor transmission has what is called an open drive transmission, which is a very basic design. What this means is that there is not a master or drive cylinder; rather, there is just one transfer case (spool) that can be shifted manually as needed. The open design of the transmission translates into a high level of fluid loss, which is one of the culprits behind why a lot of tractors break down and stop working. Most tractors today are fitted with what is called a speed automatic transmission, which uses a link system between the engine and the transmission.
As opposed to the power shifting styles of the full-service or geared type of transmissions, the speed automatic transmission uses a simpler design that makes for more reliable shifting and smoother shifts. Speed automatic transmissions also tend to be less expensive than some of the other types of tractors, making them a great choice for the everyday farmer. Some examples of these are the Hitachi and Ford models of tractors.