FACILITATING AND LEARNING MATERIAL FOR WHEEL TRACTOR OPERATION,

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

This facilitating and learning material covers all the learning outcomes for introduction to farm
tractor, its operating systems and components.

UNIT NO 1: INTRODUCTION TO FARM TRACTORS, THE OPERATING SYSTEMS AND

THE COMPONENTS.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of tractors.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the air and the fuel system of wheel tractors.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the cooling systems and the engine lubrication system of wheel
tractors.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the electrical system and the hydraulic system of wheel
tractors.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the power transmission system of wheel tractors.

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Learning Content Page
Outcomes Number
INTRODUCTION
LO 1 Demonstrate knowledge of tractors.
a) Outline the history of the tractor.
b) Describe the characteristics of a farm tractor.
c) State the classifications of tractors.
d) Describe the classifications of wheel tractors.
e) State the function of the main operating components of the
wheel tractor engine.
f) Outline the cycle of operation of wheel tractor engines.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
LO 2 Demonstrate knowledge of the air and the fuel system of the
wheel tractor.
a) State the function of the components of the air intake system of
the farm tractor.
b) Outline the operation of the air system.
c) Describe the function of components of the exhaust air system
of the farm tractor.
d) Explain the function of the fuel system.
e) State the function of components of the fuel system.
f) Describe the operation of the fuel system.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
LO 3 Demonstrate knowledge of the cooling system and the engine
lubrication system of the wheel tractor.
a) Explain the operation of the types of cooling system on the
tractor.
b) Identify components of the force circulation water cooling
system.
c) State the function of components of the force circulation water
cooling system.
d) Explain the function of the engine lubrication system of the
tractor.

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 e) Identify the components of the engine lubrication system.
f) Describe the function of the components of the lubrication
system.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
LO 4 Demonstrate knowledge of the electrical system and the
hydraulic system of the wheel tractor.
a) Explain the function of the electrical system.
b) Identify components of the electrical system.
c) Describe the function of the components of the electrical
system.
d) Explain the function of the hydraulic system.
e) Identify components of the hydraulic system.
f) Describe the function of the components of the hydraulic
system.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
LO 5 Demonstrate knowledge of the power transmission system of
the wheel tractor.
a) Explain the function of the power transmission system
b) State the types of power transmission system.
c) Identify components of the power transmission system
d) Describe the function of the components of the power
transmission system.

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Unit Introduction:
Modern farm tractors provide most of the muscle power needed for today's high output agricultural
enterprises. Tractors are more common on farms than any other piece of equipment and are used to
carry trail, mounted and semi-mounted implements, to transport equipment and materials, to pull
tillage equipment and wagons and as remote power sources for other equipment.
A tractor designed for powering big equipment is obviously not suitable for use in small orchard farms
where maneuverability and a smooth profile are major concerns. Because crops and field operation
vary so much, farm tractor manufacturers have developed many different designs for specific and
general uses. This training program is concerned only with Wheel tractors, the most popular on our
farms today.
On completion of this unit, you will acquire knowledge of the different classifications and types of
tractors used on the farm. You will also understand how the various systems of the farm tractor
operate and also knowing the functions of the main operating components of the farm tractor as well.
Congratulations for your selection to participate in this tractor operation, maintenance and
management program, I hope you will give us the needed attention for a successful learning session.
I wish you the very best of luck
Thank you.

Operating components of the farm tractor

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LEARNING OUTCOME 1
Demonstrate knowledge of tractors

On completion of this learning outcome, you will be able to;

a) Outline the history of the tractor.

b) Describe the characteristics of a wheel farm tractor.
c) State the classifications of tractors.
d) Describe the classifications of wheel tractors.
e) State the function of the main operating components of the wheel tractor engine.
f) Outline the cycle of operation of tractor engines.

Has it ever crossed your mind to find out how the first tractor was made? Do you even know the
name of the person who manufactured the first successful tractor? Enough information about the
history behind the tractor will be of great help to you in your tractor operation, maintenance and
management program.

What can you say about this picture? Read carefully, the information under PC (a) to see whether it
makes meaning to you about the history of the farm tractor. I wish you well Dear.
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PC (a) Outline the history of the tractor

The high performance tractors we see today are products of an evolutionary process occurring over the
past 80 years or so. Many machinery historians consider the beginning to have occurred in 1892, when
John Froelich mounted a gasoline engine on a steam traction engine chassis and added drive
arrangement of his own manufacture.

This is the man behind the success the improved tractors we see around us today.
John Froelich from the United State of America.

Although the Froelich’s tractor is obsolete by today’s standard, it powered a single cylinder 20-hp (15
kw) engine, it had the following basic elements:

1. Self-propelled.
2. Produced draw bar power.
3. Produced belt power.
4. Clutches to engage and disengage drive train.
5. Had a reverse gear.
6. Steered by the tractor.

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The Froelich tractor had one difference when compared with other machines built in the same era. It
was the first operating success. A proof is that it was able to complete a 50-day threshing operation,
pull the thresher over difficult terrain and operate in temperatures from negative 3 degrees 68.5
degrees Celsius. Froelich tractor was revolutionary when compared to the power available to farmers
at that time. Others had realized the need for mechanized farm power, but had been unsuccessful in
their attempts to provide a durable, efficient machine that most farmers could afford.

In 1913, the Froelich-founded Waterloo gasoline Engine Company offered the Model ‘LA’ tractor,
with a 2- cylinder opposed engine on a 4-wheel chassis, on a production basis. Twenty of these
tractors were sold and a new era of farming was underway.

The Waterloo tractor by John Froelich in 1913.

Today, many design advancements, innovations and refinements in tractors have come about since
Froelich’s first machine. Many different tractor manufacturers have contributed to the advancement in
tractor design and performance.

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In summary my dear Student, this is the short story behind the beginning of the farm tractor, I
believe you can now write a short history of the farm tractor in your own understanding, when your
friends in your farming community want to know by asking you?

My dear Student, note that knowing the history of the farm tractor will not be enough for the
purpose of your lesson under this learning outcome, try to see whether you can describe it with its
characteristics in the PC below.

PC (b) Describe the characteristics of a wheel farm tractor

The Tractor is a self-propelled power unit having wheels or tracks for operating agricultural
implements and machines including trailers. Tractor engine is used as a prime mover for active tools
and stationary farm machinery through power take-off shaft (PTO) or belt pulley. Tractor is also a
vehicle for off-road and on-road operation, being able to carry, guide, pull and drive implements or
machines – moving or stationary – and to pull trailers. Tractor is widely used in agriculture, building
construction, road construction, and for specialized service in industrial plants, railway freight stations,
and docks.
The characteristics of standard wheel tractors are:
1. Rear wheels adjustable for width.
2. Steering mechanism to control direction.
3. High-powered engine with many gear ranges for relatively low speeds.
4. Great clearance beneath the tractor.
5. More weight over traction wheels.
6. Individual brakes for each rear wheel.
7. Adjustable drawbar hitch
8. Power controls to increase pulling power.
9. Potential to add or subtract weights for ballast.
10. Hydraulic system for added power source.
11. PTO shaft to transfer power to tow a hitched machine.
12. Differential lock for added traction.
13. Adapted to carry or pull equipment.
14. Fitted with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) or a Falling Object Protective Structure
(FOPS).
The characteristics of tractors listed in the PC above will help you to easily identify a farm tractor as
shown in the picture below.
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 The Farm tractor

We shall learn about all the operating systems and the major operating components of the wheel
farm tractor in our subsequent lessons. Thank you.

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Any question for me? My lovely student! Let us see how farm tractors can be classified in our next
PC.
PC (c) State the classifications of tractors

Generally there are many different types of tractors available for mechanizing agricultural operations
All these tractors can be classified under three main classes or groups on the basis of their structural
design:

1. Wheel tractor: These tractors have three or four pneumatic wheels.

The four wheel tractor is the most popular everywhere.

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2. Crawler tractor: This is also called track type tractor or chain type tractor. In such tractors, there is
endless chain or track in place of pneumatic wheels. There are two types of crawler tractors; these are
shown in the picture below:

a. Full track crawler tractor. b. Half-track crawler tractor.

3. Walk behind tractor (Power tiller): Power tiller is a walking type tractor. This
tractor is usually fitted with two wheels only. The direction of travel and its
controls for field operation is performed by the operator, walking behind the tractor
holding the two handles in his own hands. Power tiller or walk behind tractors may be called a
single axle walking type tractor, though a riding seat is provided in certain designs.
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Hope we can proceed with our next PC under this learning outcome. Let us see what it has to say
about wheel tractors.

PC (d) Describe the classification of wheel tractors

1. Purpose: Based on purpose, wheel tractor is classified into three groups:

a. General purpose tractor: It is used for major farm operations; such as ploughing,
harrowing, sowing, harvesting and transportation works. Such tractors have:
i. Low ground clearance
ii. increased engine power
iii. Good adhesion and
iv. Wide tyres.
b. Row crop tractor: It is used for crop cultivation. Such tractor is provided with replaceable
driving wheels of different tread widths. It has high ground clearance to save damage of
crops. Wide wheel track can be adjusted to suit inter row distance.
c. Special purpose tractor: It is used for definite jobs like cotton fields, marshy land,
hillsides, garden etc. Special designs are there for special purpose tractor.
2. Number of wheels: Wheel tractors may be classified based on the number of wheels they are
fitted with, these are

a. Three pneumatic wheel tractor. b. Four pneumatic wheel tractor.

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3. Type of wheel drive: Classification based on the type of wheel drive consist of;
a. Two- wheel-drive tractor: In practice this tractor is manufactured so that the driving
wheels are fitted in the rear. This type of tractor may further be divided into four general
types. These tractors are described in the pictures below:

i. Row crop tractor: This tractor provides greater ii. Standard tread tractor: This tractor has
clearance under the tractor, along with provision fixed tread width; this means the wheels cannot
for adjusting the tractor tread to match row crop be adjusted to meet different row crop widths.
spacing.

v. Low profile tractor: This tractor is

iii. High clearance tractor: This tractor has adjustable designed specially to work in confined
wide front axles with high clearance to cultivate tall areas such as orchards, feedlots and
crops. What makes it entirely different from the row buildings. It has rounded fenders,
tractor is that it has a greater under clearance
12 with a integrated head lamps and low ground
special system to transmit its power down from its axle clearance.
to the driving wheels.
 b. Four-wheel-drive tractor: While this type of tractor uses all the four wheels as driving
wheels. This type of tractors can be classified into two types. These are:

i. Front-wheel auxiliary drive tractor: This tractor is ii. True’ 4-wheel- drive tractor: With this type of
a conventional rear-wheel drive tractor modified so tractor, all the four wheels containing the drive are of
that the power may be sent to the front wheels when the same size.
necessary. Its powered front wheel drive is arranged
so that it can continue to be used for steering.

The farm tractor has many operating components which make it a very complex and robust
machine to be used for farming activities. So it is very important for you to know as per our next
PC the function of some of its main operating components while other components will be handled
into detail under the other PCs of your tractor operation program.

What does the next PC say in the next page?

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PC (e) State the function of the main operating components of the wheel tractor engine

Wheel tractor engine contains many different parts or sub-assemblies. However, under this PC we will
discuss only the main components of the engine. These are:

1. Cylinder head: It is the top of the engine and

2. Pistons: Move up and down in the
usually houses the valves, intake and exhaust
cylinders and apply the force of
passages and cooling passages.
combustion to the crankshaft.

3. Cylinders: They are hollow tubes in which the piston moves up and down. They may be cast into
cylinder block or made separately and installed as liners or sleeves.

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 4. Piston rings: It seals the combustion
5. Connecting rod: Transmits the motion of the
chamber and help transfer heat.
pistons to the crankshaft.

6. Cylinder block: It is the main housing of the 7. Timing drive: It links the crankshaft, camshaft and

engine and supports the other main parts. other key components parts together to ensure each is
working at the right time.

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 9. Camshaft: It is usually in the engine block or
8. Main bearings: They support the
sometimes placed overhead. It rotates to open and
crankshaft in the cylinder block.
close the valves by cam action.

10. Crankshaft: It receives force from

the pistons and transmits it as a rotary 11. Fly wheel: It is bolted to the crankshaft at the

driving power. rear and provides momentum (force) to help turn

the pistons to the top of the cylinders after each
downward stroke. It also serves as a mounting
face for the clutch assembly.

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 What can you say about the two pictures above?

ASSEMBLED OPERATING COMPONENTS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

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Every automobile engine operates through a cycle, this cycle clearly explains how engine power is
developed to drive other components. Read the next PC to see what it says.

PC (f) Outline the cycle of operation of tractor engines

The wheel tractor engine converts chemical energy to mechanical energy to drive the tractor. It
consists of various internal operating parts. There are two broad classifications of combustion engines.
We have the Internal combustion engine where burning of the fuel takes place in the working
cylinders and the External combustion engine where burning of fuel takes place outside the engine,
this type of engine design was in the olden days found on locomotive trains.

There are two main types of internal combustion engines used by farm tractors. These are:

1. Compression ignition engine.

2. Spark ignition engine.

Our concern under this PC is to understand how power is developed by the compression ignition
engine before it moves to drive the various units of the farm tractor.

Can we move on with our lesson? Ok!

1. Compression ignition: The engine is made very much the same as the petrol engine, but because
higher pressure and thrusts take place within the engine itself, it is made stronger. The basic parts
are very much the same as in the case of the Spark ignition engine, the method of operation is
slightly different. Instead of fuel/air mixture being taken into the cylinder, air alone enters the
cylinder and this is compressed to such an extent that it becomes very hot that it will set fire to
fuel injected into it hence the name compression ignition engine. The series of events is usually
known as the operating cycle and most tractor engines operate on what is known as the four-stroke
cycle. The cycle talks about what happens within the engine cylinder during the displacement of
the piston in the combustion chamber. The piston makes four displacements (meaning four
movements of the piston from Top Dead Center to Bottom Dead Centre, this is also called a
stroke) before engine power is developed. The four strokes are Induction, Compression, Power
and Exhaust stroke. These four strokes discussed for your understanding below:

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The Four Stroke Cycle
1. The Induction Stroke: The piston moves down, inlet valve open, exhaust valve closed. The
downward movement of the piston creates a partial vacuum in the cylinder and air only
rushes in through the inlet valve passage. At the bottom of the stroke the inlet valve closes
trapping the air within the cylinder.
2. The Compression Stroke: The piston moves up, the inlet valve is closed, the exhaust valve is
closed. The upward movement of the piston compresses the air to very high temperature,
about 1000°F. This temperature is reached because the volume within the cylinder is
reduced to approximately its original volume.
3. The Power Stroke: When the piston is at the top of the compression stroke, a spray of fuel is
injected into the cylinder. This fuel ignites immediately when it comes in contact with the
hot air. The burning fuel expands and thrusts/forces the piston down the cylinder providing
rotational force to drive the crank shaft. Then eventually the power received by the
crankshaft is transmitted to the clutch to the transmission gears to the final drives and
finally to the road wheels to move the farm tractor.
4. The Exhaust Stroke: The piston moves up the cylinder, the inlet valve is closed, the exhaust
valve is open. The upward movement of the piston pushes the burnt gases out through the
exhaust valve passage to the atmosphere.

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2. Spark ignition engine: It is a type of engine in which the combustion takes place by a spark
generated by the spark plug. It uses petrol as fuel and works on Otto cycle. In the spark ignition
engine the air fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder with help of carburetor. The compression of
the fuel takes place but it has low compression ratio. The fuel is ignited by the spark generated by
the spark plug. SI engine produces less noise and vibration and their starting is very easy. They
are light in weight and have less maintenance cost. They are mostly used in light commercial
vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles cars etc.

Four stroke Spark ignition engine

Do you now understand how engine power is developed when you see a moving farm tractor?
I hope you can briefly explain it to your friends in your community.
Test your knowledge about the following self-assessment questions.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. Give a brief history of what you know about the farm tractor
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2. Outline (10) TEN key features that describe the farm tractor.
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3. Explain the classification of tractors providing (2) TWO examples for each of the class.
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4. Give two (2) examples of tractors each on classifications based on purpose, number of wheels
and type of drive.
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5. Tractor has many operating components that make it a powerful machine to be used for farm
activities, write the function of all the components you have learnt on the farm tractor.
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6. Describe how the engine power is developed in the cylinder to drive other components of the
farm tractor on Compression ignition engine and Spark ignition engines.
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LEARNING OUTCOME 2

Demonstrate knowledge of the air and the fuel system of the wheel tractor

On completion of this learning outcome, you will be able to;

a) State the function of the components of the air intake system of the farm tractor.
b) Outline the operation of the air system.
c) Describe the function of components of the exhaust air system of the farm tractor.
d) Explain the function of the fuel system.
e) State the function of components of the fuel system.
f) Describe the operation of the fuel system.

Welcome to PC (a) what does it say?

PC (a) State the function of the components of the air intake system of the farm tractor

The air intake system consists of air pre-cleaner, air cleaner, intake manifold, and an intake valve.

The function of the components of the air intake system is discussed below:

1. Air pre-cleaner: It filters out large particles dirt and dust from the air before it reaches the
cleaner. It is usually installed at the end of a pipe that extends upward from the main air
cleaner. The pre-cleaner reduces much of the loads on the air cleaner and allows longer
intervals between air cleaning and servicing.

The Pre-cleaner and its sectional view as shown in the picture above
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 2. Air cleaner: This cleaner filters out fine dirt and dust particles and leaves the air ready to be
taken into the combustion chamber. Most farm tractors use either a Dry element cleaner or the
Oil bath air Cleaner.

Let us discuss these two types of cleaners into detail.

a. The Oil bath cleaner (Wet type cleaner)

When air enters the pre-cleaner dome tangentially and it sets the air and dirt swirling, thus
throwing heavy dirt particles out through the dust-ejection slots. The air passes rapidly down
the stack pipe and dust in the air is driven into the oil and trapped. The air passes through oil
damp wire gauze trapping any dirt that may have escaped the oil bath, from here the air passes
out through a rubber hose into the inlet manifold and to the engine of the tractor.
In order to maintain this type of cleaner, you have to clean out the dome regularly, remove oil-
bath bowl and clean out stack pipe. Drain the old oil, clean out the bowl and refill to the level
with new oil, wash out gauzes with paraffin and blow excess paraffin away with an air-line if
possible, or allow it to drain thoroughly. Re-assemble the filter. Check the condition of the
hose and connections between the filter and engine to ensure the hose is not split or loose.

The Oil bath air cleaner and its sectional view showing how works.

b. The Dry type cleaner:

This type of air filter or cleaner contains a replaceable element made of wax-paper material
which must be changed when it becomes partly clogged with dirt. The air enters the cleaner
through an inlet tube and is forced into a spiral motion by slanted fins on the wax paper
element. As the air circulates around the element, about 90 percent of the dirt is separated from
the air by centrifugal force. This dirt is carried through a slot in the baffle in to a dust cup. The
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 dust should be emptied at operating intervals. Some tractors have a visual check monitor fitted
to the engine induction system, this warns you that the filter is becoming clogged or blocked
with dirt or dust.

Dry air cleaner with wax paper element

3. Intake manifold: It is located on the side of the cylinder head. It has openings that deliver air
to the intake valve during the induction stroke of the engine’s operation. The manifold tubes
are designed based on the number of cylinders that the tractor engine has.
Four cylinder engines will have four manifold tubes, three cylinder engine, three manifold
tubes.
Are you clear? Good, the inlet manifold is shown in the picture below.

Four cylinders, four inlet manifold tubes

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 4. Intake valves: The intake valve is located on the top of the cylinder. It opens and closes at the
right time to allow fresh clean air to enter the engine cylinder for combustion. The opening and
closing of the intake valve is made possible by the camshaft.

Inlet or Intake valves

Having been able to identify the function of the various components that make the air intake
system, let us now link the functions of the component to describe how the air system of the farm
tractor works in our next lesson under PC (b)

PC (b) Outline the operation of the air system

The function of the air intake system of the engine is to supply clean air to the working cylinders by
eliminating the foreign materials that are in the air during the induction stroke of the piston for
combustion to take place. The entering air is necessary to be cleaned especially when you consider
how filthy the air can get when you are carrying out certain field work e.g. cultivating. Should dust
and dirt enter the engine, very rapid wear may take place on valves, pistons and cylinders and all
bearings. There could also be a rapid build-up of carbon in the combustion chambers and on the
valves. This carbon would glow red and change the running of your tractor engine.
During induction stroke of the engine operation when the inlet valve is opened suction is created in the
cylinder by the downward movement of the piston, this causes atmospheric air to enter the pre-cleaner
that removes larger foreign particles from the air then to either the wet or the dry cleaner depending on

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the model of the tractor. The wet or the dry cleaner removes fine particles as much as possible from
the entering air. The inlet manifold receives or directs the clean air to the combustion chamber for the
inlet valve to close for compression to take place.

This is basically, how the air intake system supports the operation of the tractor engine to deliver
the clean air to the engine cylinders.

Now, let us see how the burnt gases in the combustion get out of the system of the tractor.

PC (c) Describe the function of components of the exhaust air system of the farm tractor

The exhaust system transmits the burnt gases away from the cylinder after combustion. The exhaust
system should be free of obstacles. If your tractor’s engine is not able to expel exhaust gases properly,
it may over heat and be damaged. Let us discuss the function of the exhaust system components
below.

1. Exhaust valve: It seals the burning gases within the cylinder until most of the energy has been
used, then open so that the cylinder can clear the combustion to be free of exhaust gas before
the next clean air enters the cylinder. It opens and closes the same way as the inlet valve. The
exhaust valve is made of high heat resistant metal as compared to the inlet valve.

Exhaust valves

2. Turbocharger: It is an exhaust-driven type of air blower with turbine that is located between
the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The hot gases from the engine drive a fan which in turn
drives another fan which draws filtered air from the air cleaner forcing more volume of air to
the cylinders. This increases the amount of fuel the engine can burn thereby increasing the
tractor engine’s power out-put.

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 Turbo charger

3. Exhaust manifold: It directs the burnt gas from the combustion chamber to move to the
muffler. Some exhaust manifolds are equipped with a tube or similar device with a heat
activated door which opens when the engine is cold to allow warm air to pass around the intake
system. The door closes when the engine is warm to stop the flow of air.

Do not forget that manifolds, either inlet or exhaust have the same design, the difference is
in the function they perform in the medium where they are fitted on the wheel farm tractor.

Four cylinders, four exhaust manifold

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 4. Muffler: It carries away the burnt gases and reduces the noise produced by the tractor during
combustion. It consists of perforated inner pipe enclosed with an outer pipe roughly three times
larger in diameter. The spaces between the pipes are filled with sound absorbing and heat
resistant material. This design makes the muffler to act as expansion chamber to reduce the
noise of the burnt gases.

Sectional view
Muffler

Any question? I hope you got the explanations very clear? Let us discuss the next system.

PC (d) Explain the function of the fuel system

The diesel fuel system must inject precise amount of atomized and pressurized fuel into each cylinder
at the proper time. Combustion in the diesel engine occurs when the charge of fuel is mixed with hot
compressed air. The diesel fuel injection system performs the following functions:

1. Supply the correct quantity of fuel.

2. Time the delivery of the fuel.
3. Control the rate at which the fuel is delivered.
4. Break up or atomize the fuel.
5. Distribute fuel evenly through the cylinder.

Note that foreign materials in the fuel system can block the fuel lines and cause serious damage to the
engine parts. Always becareful that no foreign material enters the system when refueling the tractor.

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All trator fuels are extremly flammable so when you are handling fuels do not smoke. Make sure the
engine is cooled before refueling.

The fuel system consist of some components that make it possible for it to perform its fucntions, let
us try to identify these components and discribe their function in the next PC of our lesson. See
what it says.

PC (e) State the function of components of the fuel system

The diesel fuel system is made of several parts but for the purposes of our discussion, the major parts
of the diesel fuel system that we shall consider are:

1. Fuel lift pump: This pump is also called the transfer pump. This pump moves fuel from the
tank, through the filters and into the injection pump. The fuel lift pump is driven by the engine
camshaft. It may be located between the fuel tank and the injection pump or the injection pump
housing depending on the make of the tractor.

Fuel lift pump

2. Fuel filters: The fuel filter removes all dirt in the fuel before it reaches the injection pump.
Full filtration is very important in diesel engine operation because of the close tolerance fits
required in the working parts of the injection pump. A typical fuel system has three progressive
filters. These are
i. The filter screen at the tank or the lift pump removes larger particles from the fuel.
ii. The primary filter removes small particles.
iii. Secondary filter removes very fine particles.
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Many farm tractors are fitted with dual flow filters. Dual flows filters are either series or parallel
flow. In the Series filter, all of the fuel goes through one filter then through the next one while in
parallel filters, some of the fuel goes through one filter and some goes through the other filter.
Series filters filter out more dirt because the fuel moves through two filters.

Fuel filter

3. Fuel injection pump: This pump applies pressure to the fuel and moves it to the injection
nozzle. The injection pump-nozzle assembly has four major ways of injecting the fuel. These
are
i. Individual pump and nozzle for each cylinder.
ii. Pump in a common housing, injector for each cylinder.
iii. Combine pump and nozzle for each cylinder.
iv. One injection pump serving injectors for several cylinders.
The in-line injection pump is the most popular for diesel tractors in recent years. It uses an
individual pump for each cylinder but all the pumps are contained in a common housing.

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Fuel injection pump
4. Fuel injectors: They are also known as the fuel injection nozzle. The fuel injectors are simple
devices that use springs to oppose a fuel pressure until the right time for fuel to be injected
when the nozzle valve opens.
The function of the injector is to
i. Atomize or break the fuel for proper combustion.
ii. Spread the fuel spray to fully mix it with air in the cylinder.
iii. In addition, it injects equal amount of fuel for smooth power on multi-cylinder engines.

Fuel injectors

5. Fuel lines: The fuel lines are usually made of steel and carries fuel through the system. There
are three types of diesel fuel lines. These are
i. Heavy-duty lines: These lines transfer fuel at high pressure between the injection pump and
the injectors in the cylinders.
ii. Medium weight lines: These lines transfer fuel at low or medium pressure between the
main fuel pump and the injection pump.

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 iii. Light weight lines: These lines are used to transfer fuel at little or no pressure, such as leak-
off fuel from the injector to the tank or pump.

Fuel lines

6. Fuel tank: The fuel tank acts as a reservoir to store fuel for the system. Its location varies
among different tractors. It is usually made of sheet metal or plastic. Most fuel systems have
line attached at the bottom of the tank, usually with filter screen at the fuel line connection. The
diesel tank has a vent which allows air to enter the tank to replace the fuel as it is consumed.
Diesel tanks are usually equipped with openings to fill the tank, to discharge the fuel to the
transfer pump and to drain the tank for servicing. Some tanks are also equipped with an
opening to return leak-off fuel from the injection pump.
The diesel fuel tank cap performs the following functions
i. Seal out dust and dirt.
ii. Keep the fuel from splashing out the tank.
iii. Allow air to enter the tank for the purpose of ventilation.

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 Fuel tank

Now knowing the function of the various components of the fuel system, can you link them to
explain how the diesel fuel system of a farm tractor works? See whether the next PC may be of help
to you. Thank you.

PC (f) Describe the operation of the fuel system

In operation, fuel flow by gravity pressure from the fuel tank to the transfer pump. The transfer pump
pushes the fuel through the filters. The filters clean all the foreign materials from the fuel. The clean
fuel is then pushed into the injection pump where it is put under high pressure and delivered to the
injectors. The nozzles of the injector break the fuel into fine particle of effective droplet size in the
cylinder for combustion.

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The figure below explains better, how the fuel system works.

Line diagram of the fuel system, showing the direction of fuel flow

So for short this is how the fuel system works or operates on wheel farm tractors.

Any question? Then try your hands on the following questions to assess your knowledge acquired
under this learning outcome.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. The air intake system of the farm tractor has several components, explain the function of these
components.
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2. A tractor operator in your community wants to know how the air system of the farm tractor
works, explain it to him/her to understand.
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3. The exhaust air system of the farm tractor has four main components, describe these
components
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 4. The fuel system plays an important role in the power developed by the farm tractor’s engine,
explain this role in the space provided below.
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5. Outline the function of all the components of the fuel system of the wheel farm tractor.
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6. Your friend working with an agricultural bank in your community wants to learn how to
operate the tractor but first of all wants to know how the fuel system of the tractor works. As a
graduate tractor operator, explain it to Him/Her.
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You have made a very good attempt to get all the questions right, good work done keep it up.
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Can you mention any other operating system of the tractor engine? Then see what the next
learning outcome has for you.
LEARNING OUTCOME 3
Demonstrate knowledge of the cooling systems and the engine lubrication system of the wheel
tractor
On completion of this learning outcome you will be able to;

a) Explain the operation of the types of cooling system on the tractor.

b) Identify components of the force circulation water cooling system.
c) State the function of components of the force circulation water cooling system.
d) Explain the function of the engine lubrication system of the tractor.
e) Identify the components of the engine lubrication system.
f) Describe the function of the components of the lubrication system.

PC (a) Explain the operation of the types of cooling system on the tractor

Basically, the tractor engine cooling system is designed to regulate the operating temperature and
prevent the overheating of the engine. About one third of the total heat energy contained in the fuel is
carried away by the cooling system of the engine. By regulating the operating temperature of the
cooling system, the cooling system keeps the engine at the best heat level for each operation. During
starting, allow the engine to warm up quickly and then when operating heavy loads you cool it. By
regulating the operating temperatures, the cooling system keeps the engine from running too cold.
There two main types of cooling system for the farm tractor, these are:

1. Air cooling system: In this type of cooling system, the heat which is conducted to the outer parts
of the engine, is radiated and conducted away by the stream of air, which is obtained from the
atmosphere. In order to have an efficient cooling by means of air, fins are provided around the
cylinder and cylinder head to increases the contact area. The fins are metallic ridges, which are
formed during the casting of the cylinder and cylinder head. The amount of heat carried off by the
air-cooling depends upon the following factors:
i. The total area of the fin surfaces,
ii. The velocity and amount of the cooling air and
iii. The temperature of the fins and of the cooling air.
Air-cooling system is used mostly for tractors of less horsepower, motorcycles, scooters, small
cars and small aircraft engines where the forward motion of the machine gives good velocity to
38
 cool the engine. Air-cooling system is also provided in some small industrial engines. In this
system, individual cylinders are generally employed to provide ample cooling area by providing
fins. A blower is used to provide air.
Air cooled engines have the following advantages:
i. The design of air-cooled engine is simple.
ii. It is lighter in weight than water-cooled engines due to the absence of water jackets, radiator,
circulating pump and the weight of the cooling water.
iii. It is cheaper to manufacture.
iv. It needs less care and maintenance.
v. No risk of damage from frost, such as cracking of cylinder jackets or radiator water tubes.

Air cooling system for a single cylinder engine

2. Water cooling system: It serves two purposes in the cooling of an engine, these are:
i. It takes away the excessive heat generated in the engine and saves it from overheating.
ii. It keeps the engine at working temperature for efficient and economical working.
There are four types of water cooling system. They are
a. Direct or non-return system,
b. Thermo-syphon system,
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c. Hopper system and
d. Pump/forced circulation system.
Though the present tractor has a forced circulation system, it is still worthwhile to get
understanding of the other three systems.
a. Non-Return Water Cooling system. This is suitable for large installations and where
plenty of water is available. The water from a storage tank is directly supplied to the engine
cylinder. The hot water is not cooled for reuse but simply discharges. A low H.P. engine,
coupled to an irrigation pump is an example.
b. Thermo-Syphoned Water Cooling System. This system works on the principle that hot
water being lighter rises up and the cold water being heavier goes down. In this system the
radiator is placed at a higher level than the engine for the easy flow of water towards the
engine. Heat is conducted to the water jackets from where it is taken away due to
convection by the circulating water. As the water in the jacket becomes hot, it rises to the
top of the radiator. Cold water from the radiator takes the place of the rising hot water and
in this way a circulation of water is set up in the system. This helps in keeping the engine at
working temperature.
The disadvantages of Thermo-syphon System include
i. Rate of circulation is too slow.
ii. Circulation commences only when there is a marked difference in temperature.
iii. Circulation stops as the level of water falls below the top of the delivery pipe of the
radiator. The height of the radiator makes it unsuitable for mobile machines.
For these reasons, this system has become obsolete and it is no more in use on
automobiles.

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 Thermo syphon water cooling system

c. Hopper Water Cooling System. This also works on the same principle as the thermo-syphon
system. In this there is a hopper on a jacket containing water, which surrounds the engine
cylinder. In this system, as soon as water starts boiling, it is replaced by cold water. An engine
fitted with this system cannot run for several hours without it being refilled with water.
d. Force Circulation Water Cooling System This system is similar in construction to the
thermo-syphon system except that it makes use of a centrifugal pump to circulate the water
throughout the water jackets and radiator. The water flows from the lower portion of the
radiator to the water jacket of the engine through the centrifugal pump. After the circulation,
water comes back to the radiator, it loses its heat by the process of radiation. This system is
employed in almost all modern cars, trucks, tractors, etc.

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 Force Circulation Water Cooling System

REMEMBER: Running your tractor engine cold can cause unnecessary wear, poor fuel consumption
and accumulation of water and sludge in the crankcase. Cooling your tractor engine does not only
prevent overheating, it also guard against pre-ignition, detonation, engine knock, burned pistons and
valves and lubricant failure. The water cooling system is normally used for four stroke cycle engines
while the air cooling system is used for two stroke engines.
Therefore we shall focus our attention on only The Force Circulation Water System because it is
largely found on all modern farm tractors.
Try to see whether the next PC can help you identify the components of the water cooling system of
your farm tractor.

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PC (b) Identify components of the types cooling system

1. Radiator

2. Fan

3. Water pump 4. Thermostat

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 5. Connecting hose
6. Water jackets

Can you see the above components on your farm tractor? If your answer is yes, then state their
function in the water cooling system of the farm tractor. See whether the next PC will be of help to
you. Thank you.

PC (c) State the function of components of the force circulation water cooling system

1. Radiator: It is one of the major components of the cooling system. It transfers heat from the
cooling water to the atmosphere. It also serves as reservoir to store the liquid (water) needed to
operate the cooling efficiently. It is designed with a series of small tubes surrounded by fins and
air passages. The radiator receives hot coolant (water) at the top which moves down through the
tubes and is cooled by the air flowing through the radiator fins. The radiator is equipped with a
Pressure cap. This cap increases the pressure in the system to increase the coolant boiling point.
The pressure cap performs the following main functions.
i. Allows atmospheric pressure to enter the cooling system.
ii. Prevents the escape of the coolant at normal pressure.
2. Fan: It forces cooling air through the radiator core to help dissipate or move the heat carried by
the coolant in the radiator. The fan is usually located between the radiator and the engine,
mounted on the water pump shaft on the front of the engine block. The fan is generally driven by
V-belt from the crankshaft. The fan can either be the Suction type or the Blower type. The suction
fan pulls the air through the radiator and discharges it around the tractor engine. With the Blower
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 type of fan, the direction of air flow is in the opposite direction. This design is limited to slow
moving farm tractors and equipment.
3. Water pump: It creates the flow of the coolant to circulate through the engine system. The pump
draws cooled water from the radiator and forces it through the engine block. The pump is
normally a centrifugal type which is equipped with an impeller, turns at high speed. The impeller
vanes push the water through the system.
4. Water jacket: The engine water jacket surrounds the internal engine parts. The coolant flow
through the water jacket and takes the heat away from the engine to the radiator.
5. Thermostat: It is a heat operated-valve. It controls the flow of coolant to the radiator to maintain
the correct engine operating temperature of the farm tractor. During the engine warm up, the
thermostat remains closed while the water pump circulates the water (coolant) through the water
jacket only by a way of the bypass. The engine quickly warms up to its operating temperature
before the thermostat opens to allow hot coolant to flow through the engine to the radiator and
back.
6. Connecting hoses: These are flexible connections to carry coolant between the engine and other
parts of the cooling system. There are two hose connections to the radiator. These are the top hose
which moves water back to the radiator and a bottom hose which moves water through the water
jacket around the engine especially the cylinders.
Are you done with the above PC? After learning about the water cooling system, which of the
systems of the farm tractor do you think will be the next system to talk about? Read PC (d) to
see if it answers my question.

PC (d) Explain the function of the engine lubrication system of the tractor

Proper lubrication is important to the wheel tractor engine. The engine oil when applied to moving
parts of the engine reduces friction between the moving parts of the engine, helps the engine to run
smoothly and last longer. Absorbs and distribute heat, aids the cooling system and prolongs the life of
the engine. The oil also aids in sealing the piston rings and cylinder walls helping maintain
compression. It reduces vibration and the noise from the engine parts. Finally, it cleans and flushes the
internal moving parts of the engine. For lubrication to be effective, your engine oil must be clean and
of the right type.

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Engine lubricating oil with the necessary properties and characteristics will:

i. Provide a film of proper thickness between the bearing surfaces under all conditions of
operation.

ii. Remain stable under changing temperature conditions, and

iii. Not corrode the metal surfaces.

If the lubricating oil is to meet these requirements, the engine operating temperature must NOT
exceed a specified limit as stated in the manufacture’s manual.

Engine lubricating oil

In internal-combustion engines, lubricating oil serves six functions: These are

i. Controls friction between load-bearing surfaces.

ii. Reduces wear by preventing metal-to-metal contact between moving parts

iii. Limits the temperature by carrying away heat from fluid friction and combustion of fuel
iv. Reduces corrosion by coating metal parts and by flushing debris from between moving parts.
v. Dampens mechanical shock in gears.
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 Always consult your manufacture’s manual for the recommended specification of oil for
your farm tractor’s engine.

Engine lubrication system

There are three types of engine lubrication systems that may be available on farm tractors. These are:

i. Circulating splash lubrication system.

ii. Internal force feed lubrication system.
iii. Full internal force feed lubrication.

We shall not discuss the details at this level of your training. I hope this is clear to you? Now let us
list the components of the lubrication system in our next PC in the next page.

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PC (e) Identify the components of the engine lubrication system

The various components that make the engine lubrication to work well are:

1. Oil pump (Rotor type) 2. Oil filter

3. Oil cooler 4. Crankcase breather

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 6. Oil pan/ oil sump
5. Oil hose

7. Control valves

Can you state the function of the various components? Read what is written under the next PC to
see if it will make sense to you.

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PC (f) Describe the function of the components of the engine lubrication system

1. Oil pump: The oil pump is usually located in the oil tank or the outlet of the oil tank and the
oil filter. It is driven from either the camshaft or the crankshaft. It supplies oil under pressure to
the various parts of the engine. There are two types of oil pump. They are Rotor pump and
Gear pump
2. Oil filter: It works just like the fuel filter but this type of filter deals with oil. The oil filter
cleans the oil to be free from foreign particles and materials.
3. Oil pan/ oil sump: It is located beneath the engine block. It acts as a reservoir for the engine
oil. The oil pan is also called sump.
4. Oil cooler: It is fitted to help distribute or dissipate the heat from the engine. Most of the
coolers are of the water-to-oil type, using the engine cooling water to dissipate heat from the
oil. The oil cooler may be mounted internally in the crankcase or externally on the side of the
engine block.
5. Crankcase breather: It allows ventilation of the crankcase for heat exchanges when the oil
becomes hot. It removes unburned fuel vapor and water vapor from the engine. If these vapors
are allowed to condense it becomes contaminating liquids that drain into the crank case.
6. Oil hoses: These are passages through which the oil is pushed to flow to the various parts of
the engine. Some are made of metal for high pressure lines while those made of flexible rubber
hoses are used for low pressure lines.
7. Control valve: The valve opens and closes to perform two basic functions. There are:
i. Control the pressure of the oil
ii. Push the oil through the oil filters and the oil coolers.

Try your hands on the following self-assessment questions to test your knowledge on what you have
learnt so far under this learning outcome.

I wish you the very best of luck.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. Explain how the two types of cooling system found on farm tractor’s engine works.
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2. Mention all the components of the force circulation water cooling system of your farm tractor as
per this learning outcome.
1………………………………………………………2………………………..…………...…
3.………………………………………………………4………………………………………
5……………………………………….………………6……………………………………...…
7……………………………………………………….8……………………………………...…
3. Write the roles that the various components you have listed above play for the water cooling
system of the engine to work well.
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4. When engine oil is poured into the engine, it plays a very important role to make the engine last
long, explain this role in the engine lubrication system.
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5. The engine lubrication system has some main components that make it to play its role very
effectively, mention the names of all the components.
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6. Outline the function of the components of your tractor’s engine lubrication system based on this
learning outcome.
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LEARNING OUTCOME 4
Demonstrate knowledge of the electrical system and the hydraulic system of the wheel tractor
On completion this learning outcome, you will be able to;
a) Explain the function of the electrical system.
b) Identify components of the electrical system.
c) Describe the function of the components of the electrical system.
d) Explain the function of the hydraulic system.
e) Identify components of the hydraulic system.
f) Describe the function of the components of the hydraulic system.

PC (a) Explain the function of the electrical system

The main function of the electrical system is to provide electrical current and voltage for charging,
starting and also providing electrical power for lights, electric motors, the sensors and gauges of all
the electrical instruments, heating elements, magnetically operated locks, the radio and so on your
farm tractor.

The electrical system of the farm tractor has three main operating circuits. These circuits are:

i. Charging circuit: The charging circuit charges the battery and provides electrical current
when you are operating the farm tractor. The basic component of the charging circuit is either
the Generator or the Alternator. We shall discuss the function of this component in our next
PC.
ii. Starting circuit: The starting circuits of the farm tractor has four basic components, these are:
a. The battery, which supplies energy to the circuit.
b. The starter switch, which activates the circuit.
c. The motor switch, which engages the motor drive with the engine fly wheel.
d. The starting motor.

Please, let me use this opportunity to explain how the tractor engine is started before we practice it
in our next unit of this training program.

When the starter switch is activated (closed by turning the key) by you as an operator, a small amount
of electrical energy flows from the battery to the solenoid and back to the battery through the ground
circuit. The resulting movement of the solenoid plunger engages the pinion with the flywheel and

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closes the switch between the battery and the starter motor. This action completes the circuit and
allows s large amount of electrical energy to crank (turn) the engine.

iii. Accessory circuit: This circuit includes the meters, lights, gauges, cigarette lighters, fans, air
conditioners, radios and many other components. The complexity of this circuit depends on the
number of electrical accessories. This circuit basically operates all the miscellaneous controls
of the farm tractor.

Can we move on to identify the components of the electrical system? See what the next PC has for
you.
PC (b) Identify components of the electrical system

2. Starter motor

1. Alternator

3. Storage battery

2.
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 4. Voltage regulator 5. Current regulator

Can you see the above components on your farm tractor?

Let us now discuss the function of the above components of the electrical system on the farm tractor
in our next lesson below.

PC (c) Describe the function of the components of the electrical system

1. Alternator: The alternator produces electrical power by passing a conductor through an

electromagnetic field. This produces an alternating current (A.C.) which is changed to a direct
current (D.C) by the means of diodes. The alternator supply greater current at low engine
speeds than the generator. The generator also functions like the alternator but the difference is
that the generator does not use a rectifier (diodes) but produces only direct current with low
power output. Most tractors today use the alternator.
2. Starter motor: The starter motor is heavily constructed to enable it to carry the heavy current
required to give it good turning power to move the fly wheel hence turning the crankshaft to
start the engine. The starter motor converts electrical energy from the battery into rotary
mechanical energy to crank (start) the tractor engine.
3. Storage battery: The battery stores electrical energy for the entire electrical system of the
farm tractor. The battery produces a flow of direct current for the devices connected to its
terminals. The power output of the battery is produced by a chemical reaction between the
active materials of the plates and the sulfuric acid in the battery fluid or electrolyte. The battery
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 is made up of positive (lead peroxide) and negative (lead) plates. The whole assembly is
contained in a battery case with a vent cap on top to allow the battery to be checked for
electrolyte level and permit gases to escape. A heavy-duty battery has more positive and
negative plates than a light-duty battery.
4. Voltage regulator: The electricity from the alternator flows to the voltage regulator. In the
electrical circuit, the voltage regulator performs three basic functions. These are
i. It closes the electrical circuit when the tractor engine is running and opens the circuit
when the engine is stopped.
ii. It prevents the storage battery from overcharging by the alternator.
iii. It prevents a high flow of current through the electrical system that could damage other
components.
5. Current regulator: It is installed in the load circuit to control excessive current flow caused
by too little resistance. This unit is similar to the voltage regulator. Both the current regulator
and the voltage regulator are used but while one is working the other is not. They never work at
the same time.

Any question? Can we move on? Please read what is written under the next PC.

PC (d) Explain the function of the hydraulic system

The proper performance of the tractor hydraulic system becomes increasingly important as farm
tractors continue to increase in size and capacity. The function of the hydraulic system was introduced
on farm tractors to provide control for raising and lowering farm implement attached to the farm
tractor and other functions such as steering, braking and providing power for remote hydraulic
cylinders. Good performance from hydraulic systems and freedom from breakdown are more
important than ever because hydraulic system failure usually makes your farm tractor inoperative.

Can you identify some of the components of the hydraulic system on your farm tractor? See if the
next PC will be of help to you in identifying these components.

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PC (e) Identify components of the hydraulic system

2. Control valves.
1. Hydraulic pump

4. Cooler
3. Reservoir (Tank)

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5. Hydraulic hoses
6. Hydraulic oil filters
 7. Hydraulic couplers 8. Hydraulic cylinders

9. Hydraulic motor

Let us discuss each component in detail under the next PC.

PC (f) Describe the function of the components of the hydraulic system

1. Pump: The hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.
In operation, the pump creates a partial vacuum at the pump’s inlet to permit pressure in the
reservoir to force fluid into the pump. The pump then delivers the fluid to its outlet and thus
into the hydraulic system. Hydraulic pumps are of two general classifications; the fixed

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 displacement pump and the variable displacement pump. Displacement depends on the
relationship of the internal working parts of the pump. In the fixed displacement pump, the
output of the pump is changed only by changing the drive speed while variable displacement
pump, the output can be varied by changing the drive speed. The basic types of hydraulic
pumps available are
i. Gear pump
ii. Vane pump.
iii. Piston pump.
2. Control valves: The valves provide a means of controlling when and where the fluid is
delivered to perform various jobs. The control valves stop, start, accelerate, decelerate and
control the flow of the fluid. The different types of valves used by the hydraulic system
basically control direction, flow and pressure. The three classifications of valves are; Flow
control valves, Directional Control valves and Pressure control valves.
3. Reservoir: The reservoir stores the hydraulic oil and also keeps it to be very clean, free of air
and cool. As a requirement, every reservoir must be able to:
i. Hold all the oil that can drain back into the reservoir.
ii. Distribute or dissipate excess heat during normal operation.
iii. Maintain the oil level above the outlet.
iv. Allow air and foreign matter to escape from the oil.

Some of the features of the revoir for it to be easily identified are the filler cap, oil level gauge,
the baffle, the outlet and the return line, air vent and the intake filter.

4. Coolers: It dissipates heat from the hydraulic oil to cool it in order to prevent over heating
which may destroy the properties of the hydraulic oil. The two basic types of hydraulic coolers
are Air-to-oil coolers and Water-to-oil coolers.
5. Hoses: It serves as a medium for carrying the hydraulic fluid from one component to another.
6. Filters: The filter trap all foreign materials in the fluid to keep it clean at all times.
7. Cylinders: Hydraulic cylinders get their power from pressurized hydraulic fluid from the
pump. The hydraulic cylinder consists of a barrel, in which a piston connected to a piston rod
moves back and forth to raise and lower loads. The piston has sliding rings and seals. There
are two types of cylinder, we have the double acting cylinder and the single acting cylinder

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8. Motors: It is a mechanical device that converts hydraulic pressure from the pump into torque
and angular displacement (rotation). The hydraulic motor is the rotary counterpart of the
hydraulic cylinder as a linear device.
9. Couplers: It is a device used to connect two hoses together at their ends for the purpose of
transmitting hydraulic power. It also helps in disconnecting the hydraulic hose easily from each
other.

Congratulation for going through this learning outcome successfully, answer the following
questions for your self-assessment.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. What is your understanding of the function of the electrical system of a farm tractor below
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2. List all the components of the electrical system of the farm tractor in the space provided below
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5……………………………………………….6………………..………..………………………
7………………………………………………..8………………….………..……………………
9………………………………………………10………..………….……………………………
3. Explain the functions of all the components listed in question two (Q.2) above.
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4. What is the function of the hydraulic system of the farm tractor?
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5. Mention all the components of the hydraulic system of the farm tractor below
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6. What is the function of all the components listed in question five (Q.5) in the tractor hydraulic
system? Provide your answers in the space provided below
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LEARNING OUTCOME 5

On completion of this learning outcome, you will be able to;

a) Explain the function of the power transmission system.

b) State the types of power transmission system.

c) Identify components of the power transmission system.
d) Describe the function of the components of the power transmission system.
PC (a) Explain the function of the power transmission system

The function of the farm tractor’s power transmission system is to transfer or distribute the power
developed by the engine to the driving wheels, power take -off and the belt driving components of the
farm tractor.

PC (b) State the types of power transmission system

The power transmission is classified as

a. Mechanical drive transmission: It uses links and springs to manually engage and disengage
the transmission drive system.
b. Hydraulic drive transmission: With this type, unlike the mechanical transmission do not use
gears to obtain speed ration. Instead uses fluid to transmit power to the drive wheels.

PC (c) Identify components of the power transmission system

63 1. Clutch
 2. Transmission gears.

3. Differential unit

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 4. Final drive 5. Road wheel

7. Brakes

6. Steering mechanism

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 8. Power take-off Unit

I believe you can identify some of these components stated above on the farm tractor when you see
one in your community? That is great.

PC (d) Describe the function of the components of the power transmission system

1. Clutch: It is a mechanism that engages and disengages power from the tractor engine to the
transmission gears. It also provides a means of stopping and starting the power flow to the
transmission.
2. Transmission gears: It consists of series of gears that provides controlled power to convert
speed and torque from the crankshaft to the input shaft of the final drive. It determines the
forward speeds and the reverse speeds of the farm tractor.
3. Differential unit: It transmits power from the output shaft of the transmission gear box to the
final drives. It also allows the two driving wheels of the tractor to rotate at different speeds
while each still propels its share of the load.
4. Final drive: It provides the final reduction in speed and increases torque to the drive wheels of
the wheel farm tractor.
On some large tractors, the final drives are mounted on the inboard ends of the axle shafts. The
final drive also supports the weight of the farm tractor to withstand torque and shock loads.
5. Road wheels: The wheels support the weight of the tractor while transmitting traction and
braking force to the road surface for movement. The tractor normally has front wheels which
are small in diameter and rear wheels which are bigger in diameter.
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 6. Steering mechanism: It converts the rotation of the steering wheel to change the angle of the
axis of the steering wheel to control the direction of motion of the farm tractor.
7. Brakes: They are mechanisms that are designed to stop the tractor when it is in motion. We
have the hand brake which is also known as the parking brake when the tractor is in a
stationary position and the foot brake which is used when the tractor is in motion.
8. Power take-off Unit: It is an attachment in the power train of the farm tractor. It is designed
to provide rotational power to farm implements such as rotary cultivator, corn picker, forage
harvester and many others. The PTO has three standard speed arrangements. These are
i. 540 revolutions per minutes (rpm) 6 splines, with 35mm shaft.
ii. 1000rpm, 21 splines with 35mm shaft.
iii. 1000 rpm, 21splines with 45 mm shaft.

Thank you, I hope you don’t have any question to ask? Great! See the questions for your self-

assessment below. Good luck.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. What is the function of the power transmission system of the farm tractor?
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2. Explain the two classes of the power transmission system that may be available on the farm
tractor
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3. Mention all the operating components of the power transmission system of the farm tractor
1………………………………………………...…2……………………………………………..
3………………………………………………..….4……………………………………..………
5………………………………………………..….6………………………………………..……
7……………………………………………………8………………………………….…………
9……………………………………………………10…………………………………………...
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4. Explain the function of the power transmission components listed in question two(Q.2) above
in the space provided below
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Congratulations for finishing unit 1. Hard work never breaks bones, cheer- up my
Sister and see what unit 2 has to tell you.

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