Farm Power And Machinery (1+1)

Selection of Tractor

 
The tractor should be selected based on the following factors :
1. Land holding:
Under a single cropping pattern, it is normally recommended to consider 1 hp for every 2 hectares of land. In other words, one tractor 20-25 hp is suitable for 40 hectares farm.
2. Cropping pattern:
Generally 1.5 hectare/hp been recommended where adequate irrigation facilities are available and more than one crop is taken. So a 30-35 hp tractor is suitable for 40 hectares farm.
3. Soil conditions:
A tractor with less wheel base, higher ground clearance and low overall weight may work successfully in lighter soil but it will not be able to give sufficient depth in black cotton soil.
4. Climatic conditions:
For very hot zone and desert area, air cooled engines are preferred over water cooled engines. Similarly for higher altitude, air cooled engines are preferred because water is liable to be frozen at higher altitude.
5. Repairing facilities:
It should be ensured that the tractor to be purchased has a dealer at near by place with all the technical skills for repair and maintenance of machine.
6. Running cost:
Tractors with less specific fuel consumption should be preferred over others so that running cost may be less.
7. Initial cost and resale value:
While keeping the resale value in mind, the initial cost should not be very high, otherwise higher amount of interest will have to be paid.