Which Simple Machines Are Used in a Tractor?

The Lever

• Push on a lever and the opposite reaction happens on its opposite side. This is where we get the term leverage. Force is applied and pushes an object. A fulcrum or pivot point is needed. This point is the balance point between the two sides. Depending on the weight or force applied to it, the balance point can be in the middle if the weight is equal or toward one side if the load is uneven. Whenever you use your tractor's arm to pry rocks or clear an area, the lever is at work.

Pulley

• Start your tractor. The engine should come alive. Pulleys inside the engine turn the cylinders. The engine drives the tractor by transferring force along pulleys to your desired operation. The controls all work by increasing or releasing force on the pulleys that operate your tractor. A pulley transfers force from one direction to another. The classic example of a pulley is a block and tackle on a boat. In your tractor, wherever there is a chain, rope, belt or cable, the pulley is working.

Wheel and Axle

• Drive your tractor to the work zone. The tires are turned using wheels and axles. The wheel allows objects to move by rotating. Wheels are found wherever you look. Your tractor's axles are stable, strong and straight pieces that wheels turn around. They can turn independently or as a part of a team of wheels all moving together. Driving your tractor requires use of all of its wheels. Turn the tractor using the steering wheel. Operate the bucket by rotating it along a fixed wheel and axle. The wheel allows all movement of your tractor. It could not move without it.

Wedge

• Dig up soil or pry up rocks. You are using the wedge every time you work. The wedge is a triangle. It uses the power of inclined planes. You use it when you separate or split objects. Force is pushed away from the wedge depending on how thick the angles of the triangle are. It is mostly used for breaking things apart. When you use the bucket to lift things, a wedge is being used. Plowing is a direct example of how a wedge is used on your tractor to do work in the field.