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Tractor and farm equipment glossary

The abbreviations and terms that show up on spec sheets, auction listings, dealer quotes and in the shop, in plain English.

3-point hitch: The standard three-arm linkage on the back of a tractor that carries implements. Categories 1 to 4 describe the sizes.
2WD / 4WD: Two-wheel drive versus four-wheel (or front-wheel assist) drive. 4WD adds traction and stability on slopes and loaders.
Ballast: Added weight, such as wheel weights, fluid in tires or a rear box, that improves traction and balance.
Bush hog (rotary cutter): A PTO-driven mower deck for tall grass and brush.
Cab: An enclosed operator station with ROPS, usually with heating and air conditioning.
Category (hitch category): The size class of a three-point hitch: 1, 2, 3 or 4. Implements must match the tractor category.
CVT: A continuously variable transmission that changes ratio smoothly without discrete gears.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF): Emissions hardware on some modern diesels that traps soot. Follow the manual for care.
Draft: The pulling force an implement asks for from a tractor.
Drawbar: The fixed or swinging bar used to pull towed implements and trailers.
ECU: The engine control unit, the computer that runs fuel and sensors on many modern tractors.
Field efficiency: The share of theoretical field capacity you actually achieve after turns, stops and overlap.
Front-end loader (FEL): A front-mounted lift arm and bucket or attachment powered by hydraulics.
Glow plug: A heater that helps a diesel engine start in cold weather.
GPM: Gallons per minute. A measure of hydraulic flow.
GPS guidance: A satellite-based system that helps steer or guide a tractor along straight, repeatable passes.
HST (hydrostatic transmission): A transmission that controls speed and direction with hydraulic fluid, usually by pedals.
Hydraulic remote (SCV): A hydraulic outlet that powers implements or loader functions.
Implement: Any tool pulled or powered by a tractor: mower, tiller, plow, baler and more.
ISOBUS: A standard that lets compatible implements and tractors share controls and displays.
Linkage: The arms and links that connect an implement to the tractor.
Lug: The raised tread on an ag tire that bites into soil for traction.
Mower conditioner: A mower that also crimps or crushes hay stems to speed drying.
OEM: Original equipment manufacturer. OEM parts are made or approved by the machine maker.
PTO: Power take-off. A rotating shaft that transfers engine power to an implement, commonly at 540 or 1000 rpm.
PTO horsepower: The power available at the PTO shaft, after drivetrain losses.
Quick hitch: A device that lets you connect three-point implements faster and with less hands-on contact.
Quick attach: A loader coupling system that lets you swap buckets, forks and other attachments.
ROPS: Rollover protective structure. A frame or cab that protects the operator in a rollover, used with a seat belt.
RTK: Real-time kinematic GPS correction, used for centimeter-level repeatable guidance.
Shear bolt: A bolt designed to break and protect an implement driveline from damage.
Skid steer: A compact loader that steers by changing wheel or track speeds on each side.
Slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem: The orange triangle that warns drivers a vehicle travels slowly. Rules vary by state.
Subsoiler: A deep-working tillage tool that breaks hardpan.
Telematics: Remote monitoring of equipment location, hours and diagnostics.
Three-point hitch: See 3-point hitch.
Top link: The upper adjustable link of a three-point hitch that sets implement angle.
Torque: Rotational force. Torque values for bolts and wheel nuts come from the manual.
Transmission: The gearbox that sets speed and torque to the wheels.
Turf tires: Wide, shallow-tread tires that are easier on lawns than ag lugs.
Utility tractor: A mid-size general purpose tractor, larger than a compact, smaller than a row-crop tractor.
Wheel weights: Cast weights bolted to wheels to add traction.
Winch: A cable or rope drum used to pull or recover loads, which needs careful safe use.