trator

Trator is the term used in several languages—most notably Portuguese—to denote a tractor, a self-propelled vehicle that provides motive power and traction for agricultural implements. In English, the standard term is tractor, and “trator” is rarely used except as a loanword, misspelling, or brand name.

A tractor is built around a chassis, engine, transmission, and drive system. It may be two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and is commonly equipped with a power take-off (PTO) shaft and a three-point hitch to power and attach implements such as plows, harrows, planters, and mowers. Modern tractors use diesel engines and may feature variable transmissions, hydraulic systems, and electronic controls.

History: The development of tractors began in the late 19th century, culminating in mass production in the early 20th century with firms like Ford, Ferguson, and International Harvester. The Fordson introduced affordable mechanized farming to a broad audience. Innovations such as live PTO, hydraulic lift, and the three-point hitch in the mid-20th century expanded the range of tasks tractors could perform.

Types and uses: Tractors range from compact models used on small plots to large utility and row-crop tractors for commercial farms, as well as specialized units for construction or landscaping. They are often used with attachments including loaders, backhoes, tillers, and sprayers, extending their functionality beyond simple pulling power.

Safety and considerations: Operation requires training and safety equipment; risks include rollover, entanglement with PTO shafts, and exposure to emissions. Regulations may require rollover protection structures and seat belts. Environmental considerations include fuel efficiency and emissions standards.