The power transmission system of a tractor transfers rotary power from the engine's crankshaft to the drive wheels.
To operate the vehicle safely, a mechanism is required to temporarily interrupt this power flow.
This allows the operator to shift gears, start the vehicle smoothly, or bring it to a stop without stopping the engine.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The clutch is the primary control device situated between the engine's flywheel and the transmission gearbox.
Its function is to engage or disengage the transfer of power from the engine (driving shaft) to the transmission system (driven shaft).
- Disengagement (Clutch pedal pressed): Pressing the clutch pedal separates the friction plates from the engine flywheel.
This cuts off the transfer of torque, allowing the operator to select or change gears in the transmission box without damaging the gears.
- Engagement (Clutch pedal released): Releasing the pedal allows heavy springs to press the friction plates against the spinning flywheel.
This re-establishes the connection, transferring engine power through the transmission gears to rotate the drive wheels and move the tractor.
While the engine generates the power, the gears change speed and torque, and the drive wheels provide traction, it is the clutch that controls the connection between these components.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The mechanical component used to connect or disconnect the transmission gears and drive wheels from the engine is the Clutch.