Draft Control
Draft control senses the amount of strain that the tractor is being subjected to from a ground engaging implement on the three point hitch. If the strain exceeds a predetermined level, the draft control will automatically raise the implement just enough to restore normal load to the tractor. After the reducing the stain the draft control automatically returns the implement to the pre-selected, ideal depth.
Glide Shift Transmission
A manual shift transmission that allows changing gears without using the clutch.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Provides infinitely variable ground speed and a quick change in direction. Typical designs provide a foot pedal for forward movemant and a seperate pedal for reverse movement.
The only disadvantage is a slight loss of power at the PTO shaft. You must remember to apply the parking brake when parking on a slope. Hydrostatic is, by far, the best choice for turf mowing applications or for any tasks that require constant speed and direction changes within a small area.
Operating Capacity
For skid steers - 50% of the Tipping Capacity
For compact track loaders - 35% of the Tipping Capacity
Over-Running Clutch
Allows the engine/transmission to rotate the PTO but not visa-versa. Built-in on newer tractors, and available as an accessory for older tractors.
If you want to know whether your tractor has this feature, place the PTO control lever in the ON position, stop the engine and with your hand try to turn the PTO shaft in a clockwise direction. If you have a over-running (one-way) clutch, you will be able to rotate the shaft, encountering only a slight resistance from the one-way clutch. Conversely, you should not be able to turn the shaft counter-clockwise (without also turning the engine).
PTO - Transmission Driven
A lever is used to turn the PTO on/off. The clutch is used to engage/disengage the PTO, along with the transmission. The effect is that the PTO and transmission engage/disengage at the same time.
Advantages: Simple design, low initial cost and less maintenance expense.
Disadvantages: Changes in direction and speed effect implement rotation.
PTO - Live
A lever is used to turn the PTO on/off. The clutch is depressed half way to disengage the transmission, while depressing it all the way will also disengage the PTO. This allows you to engage the PTO without moving the tractor. It also allows you to feather the engagement of the PTO, allowing a smooth start up of the implement before moving.
Advantages: Relatively simple design, operator friendly, safety.
Disadvantages: More expensive to repair, extra routine adjustments, more effort to depress the clutch through both stages of the clutch.
PTO - Mechanical Independent
A lever is used to turn the PTO on/off. A seperate hand lever is used to engage/disengage the PTO (instead of using the clutch).
Advantages: You can slowly engage the PTO clutch, while the tractor is on the go.
Disadvantages: Having to fiddle with two control levers. Also the potential for severe engine damage if you use it incorrectly. Incorrectly means when the PTO is not needed by disengaging it instead of turning it off. This puts a constant thrust load on the engine crankshaft, leading to a ruined cylinder block.
PTO - Hydraulic Independent
A single lever is used to start/stop the PTO. The clutch pedal does not effect the PTO.
Advantages: Ease of operation.
Disadvantages: Higher purchase cost, more complex to troubleshoot/repair, higher maintenance expense.
Tipping Capacity
Capacity at which the rear lifts off the ground
Three Point Hitch Category
There are four different hitch sizes, called categories. The higher category hitches have sturdier lift arms and larger connector pins. There is some flexibility in the tractor hp at which one category hitch ends and the next begins.
| Category | Tractor HP | Top Link Pin Diameter | Lift Arm Pin Diameter |
| 0 | Up to 20 | 5/8 in | 5/8 in |
| 1 | 20 to 45-55 | 3/4 in | 7/8 in |
| 2 | 45-55 to 90-95 | 1 in | 1 1/8 in |
| 3 | 90-95 and up | 1 1/4 in | 1 7/16 in |