How powerful is this tractor? This is one of the basic questions that arise when determining the potential of a given machine. Today, there is most often no clear answer to this seemingly trivial question. And what about the markings on the hood? We explain using the example of John Deere tractors.
Today, the power parameter is in fact the basic determinant of the applicability and efficiency of a tractor or other self-propelled agricultural machine. And let’s note that the “number of horses under the hood” is also a description of the size of the tractor. When describing a given machine (at least initially), no one uses the terms e.g. 4-, 7- or 15-ton, but states the engine power, which is equated with its weight and dimensions.
Division into series
In the past, tractors were divided into series; “light”, “medium”, “heavy”. The division was quite clear and easy, because the range of available machines was not too large… and one power was given, or two: rated and maximum.
Today, such a division – due to the multitude of series and models available – would make no sense. Moreover, if, for example, 40 years ago the Ursus 902 with a maximum power of almost 80 HP was classified as a heavy tractor, what category would today’s tractors with a power of 300 HP fall into, and to which category (what could such a category be called) should those with 700-800 HP? However, there are series (1,2,3…9), which says a lot, because individual manufacturers mark their machines in a similar way and, for example, we know that in the case of “5” we are mostly dealing with compacts, and with “8” – we will rather think about large tractors with engines with a power of around 300 HP.
Well, let’s leave such considerations for another article, and let’s focus on this power and the markings on the hood. A few years ago, many tractor manufacturers theoretically simplified the naming of models, in which the first parts of the model numerical designation refer to the series, and the next ones refer to the power.
Different brands – different strengths included in the markings
Theoretically, it was supposed to be simpler, but this is still a big mess, because any manufacturer can write “any power” here. Any, or what? And here we come to the point, because power can be given according to several standards and measurement points. The model designation may include, for example, maximum power, maximum power with temporary recharging (i.e. boost), but also simply the rated power. To make things more difficult, there are also various power measurement standards.
The differences are significant – especially in the case of high-power tractors. And someone who gets on a tractor of a given brand marked as 6170 may sometimes be very surprised that the horses of a tractor of another brand with the same or even lower model number will be more “fierce”.
How does the tractor engine power relate to the model designation? We talk about this topic with Szymon Kaczmarek, product specialist at John Deere Polska.
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