Articulated tractors

Articulated tractors stand out for their articulated steering, which is a special type of steering system. Articulated tractors are split into two parts at least and run on two or even more axles. The pin joining the front and rear units is the so-called king pin. As the operator turns the steering wheel to one side, the front wheels steer into the desired direction. Articulated tractors have rigid axles and therefore steer through an arch, with the tightness of the arch depending on the current steering angle. Articulated tractors are perfect for operating in very difficult terrain. Being powerful yet very manoeuvrable, they are able to go into thick woodland to harvest timber in confined space.

Another major advantage articulated tractors offer over many other machines is the fact that they can operate in rough terrain without risking to suffer damage to their components. This is because all electric, hydraulic and electronic lines are routed internally through the articulating joint. The same applies to the propeller shaft on four wheel drive ‘artics’. A popular design is two rigid axles, with a joint in the articulation absorbing distortions between the axles.