How do they do it?

How do crawlers get not just more traction, but more pulling power than the same tractor but on rubber? For example, a John Deere 430 utility or something like that won't pull the 4 bottom plow the crawler would. Why is this? Is the transmission different?

There are a few things to consider here when we talk about traction.

The crawler weighs more. The gear reduction is lower. But most of all the crawler does not have a differental. Both tracks are locked and are driving. The crawler also has more surface area to obtain traction from. Just look at what is in contact with the ground at any one time as compared to a rubber tire tractor. Of course should you want to go any where quick the crawler is just as they say, Just a crawl'n along.

Since my 40C has been together I have entered it in 2 antique tractor pulls. The 40 with the blade weighs in at 4,850 pounds and with me on it just under 5000 lbs. Depending on the track conditions when pulling the sled, put the crawler in low, bring the govener to the top and wait. If the track is good you will stall the engine when the weight moves up the sled. If the track is loose you will dig 2 small ditches. Oh and you know who wins in the catagory, the crawler of course. There are 40 and 50 HP machines there spinning their wheels against an 18 hp crawler.

Bye for now,

TonyK.