engine power

  First, there's the rated power, also known as the calibrated power. This is an important indicator that not only reflects the size of the tractor but also determines the amount of national subsidies received (if it is listed in the subsidy catalogue). Tractors from different manufacturers but with the same rated power may not have exactly the same actual power, as engine power varies within a certain range. The rated power "calibrated" by the manufacturer may be close to the maximum power or much lower than it. If you can also learn about the maximum power from the manufacturer or dealer, it will help you determine which tractor has a higher actual power or reserve power.

Transmission type

  The technical level of a tractor mainly depends on its gearbox. Currently, power shifting is quite popular, and many tractors claim to be power-shift tractors. In fact, there is a significant difference between high and low power-shift tractors and semi-power-shift (also known as regional or segmental power-shift) tractors. Although they have made great progress compared to purely mechanical gearboxes, the gap between them and semi-power-shift tractors is much larger than the gap between semi-power-shift and full power-shift tractors. The technical level of gearboxes, ranked from low to high, is as follows: purely mechanical, high and low power-shift, semi-power-shift, full power-shift, and continuously variable transmission (CVT), etc. The higher the technical level of the gearbox, the better the economy of the tractor, which is also the fundamental reason why gearboxes with higher technical levels are more expensive. However, it should be noted that gearboxes with higher technical levels may feel relatively slow and "sluggish" when shifting gears, which is normal.

wheelbase

  Wheelbase refers to the horizontal distance between the centerlines of the axles of the front and rear wheels (see E in the schematic diagram). You can obtain accurate values by simply inquiring with the manufacturer or dealer, or you can measure it yourself using a tape measure with a length of more than 3 meters. This parameter, wheelbase, can be an advantage for some tractors and a disadvantage for others. The benefits of a large wheelbase include a larger tractor frame, heavier structural weight, better longitudinal stability, and the ability to reduce the need for additional counterweights during heavy-load operations. However, a larger wheelbase can also pose problems, such as difficulty in reducing the tractor's weight during light-load operations, increased fuel consumption, a larger turning radius, and reduced maneuverability. Small-wheelbase, high-power tractors are generally not suitable for pure traction heavy-load operations, such as working with traction subsoilers or harrows; whereas large-wheelbase, low-power tractors struggle to become "universal tractors" that can adapt to various light and heavy-load operations.