SINCE world war II, integral implements have become increasingly popular. According to the author, this ever-increasing popularity of integral instruments over the corresponding towed type can be attributed to the following factors:
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1.
Greater maneuverability of tractor and implement combination.
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2.
Better transporting characteristics of tractor and implement combination.
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3.
Lower-cost implements.
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4.
Ease of attachment and control.
An implement designer’s viewpoint on tractor hitches and hydraulic systems is presented here. The author hopes that it will help to assure that tractors of the future will have common implement-to-hitch attaching points, so that a tractor may be used with a number of different makes and sizes of integral implements.
He also points out that certain performance features are needed to make integral instruments even more popular. These include: provision for their use with competitive tractors, quick and easy attachment of implements, simple adjustments, provision for leveling, adequate hydraulic system lifting capacity, means for depth control, provision for remote cylinder, and satisfactory tractor longitudinal stability.