On the basis that beggars can’t be choosers, smallholders buying agricultural implements for their plots are often forced to buy devices that might not be ideally suited to the capabilities of their tractor.
Dangerous
Apart from the fact that using a too-heavy plough, disc or rotavator can be dangerous by causing the tractor to become unstable, there is also the possibility that the engine can be overloaded. This will cause increased engine wear, fuel consumption and possible overheating.
Soil conditions
But overloading the tractor can also be caused by the nature of the soil being worked, or grass being cut. If your soil is very heavy and clayey, or very hard, you may find that your two-share plough is too big for your tractor’s horsepower. Or, if your veld is very thick you may need to raise your slasher using your hydraulics and make two or three passes over the same patch of grass if you find the tractor labouring.
Simple test
To determine whether you are overloading your tractor here’s a simple test:
With the tractor in motion and the implement engaged, set the throttle to about half-way open, then quickly flick it to fully open.
If the tractor speeds up rapidly it is not overloaded. If it speeds up slowly, it is overloaded.
Image: A tractor and rotavator at work has attracted a flock of birds. Wikimedia Creative Commons V4, Picture by FBenj123.
Good advice, thank you. Are there tractors to hire, where and how much per hour or a day?
Speak to your local agri equipment supplier or co-op. Also, your local department of agriculture extension officers may be able to help.