How Do Tractor AC Systems Work?

Farming equipment is important to maintain, as these machines help keep the agricultural industry running. Tractors are one of the classes of heavy-duty vehicles that farmers use for a variety of tasks.

There are many different systems at work, including the tractor air-conditioning system that helps keep the driver comfortable inside the cab.

In Universal Technical Institute’s Diesel Technology program, you can learn the ins and outs of servicing and repairing diesel engines just like the ones found in tractors and other farming equipment.

Keep reading to learn more about how a tractor AC system works and how it’s similar to those found in everyday vehicles.

Tractor AC Basics

A tractor is a machine that features a lot of glass, making it easy for sunlight to warm the interior. Tractors also don’t have as many windows that can be opened like in other vehicles, which can make it harder to release the heat trapped inside the cab.

Considering tractors are used in the elements and are often surrounded by dust and diesel exhaust fumes, having a functioning air-conditioning system is important.

How Does a Tractor AC System Differ from a Regular Vehicle’s AC System

A tractor AC system operates like those found in everyday cars and trucks. Refrigerant helps move the heat out and lower the temperature as it recirculates air through the cabin of the tractor. The air-conditioning system provides a perpetual process of compression, condensation, metering and evaporation to cool and condition the air.

Knowing the components of a tractor’s air-conditioning system and how they function during this process can help with understanding how it operates.

Tractor Air-Conditioning Parts

There are several parts that work together within a tractor AC system. Here are the five primary components:

• Compressor: A compressor draws low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and “compresses” it into a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. It’s also responsible for moving refrigerant through the system.
• Condenser: The condenser is a heat exchanger that liquifies (condenses) the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor it receives from the compressor. The heat is transferred from the hot refrigerant to the cooler outside air flowing around its coils and fins.
• TXV (metering device): Precisely regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator to obtain maximum cooling and ensure complete evaporation of the liquid refrigerant within the evaporator. It also provides a pressure drop in the AC circuit, which changes high-pressure, high-temperature liquid into low-pressure, low-temperature liquid.
• Evaporator: This heat exchanger helps play a role in the final step of the cooling process by removing moisture from the air and absorbing heat that’s been drawn from the cab area. Air blown from the evaporator is much colder as it leaves. Any moisture, dust, pollen or smoke is condensed and collected on the outside of the evaporator’s core.
• Cooling fans: A few fans help supply a constant stream of air through the condenser and evaporator.

Common Tractor AC Issues

Tractor air-conditioning systems may feature larger components, and with these parts comes the potential for needed repairs. Wear and tear can occur to the different parts and prevent the AC from operating properly.

Some common problems could include:

• Black film: This is a major problem that can occur if the compressor is damaged. Debris can travel through the AC system and form a black film that contaminates all other system components.
• Fan failures: Wear and tear on cooling fans can cause a lack of airflow through the condenser or evaporator. This issue can cause a lack of cooling within the system.
• Leaking refrigerant: Cracks or leaks in one of the AC components can hamper system performance or cause the system to stop cooling altogether. Sometimes, debris like rocks can strike the condenser and cause this to happen.
• Restricted refrigerant flow: Several issues can cause refrigerant to not flow properly through the AC system. Lines might get restricted or expansion valves could fail and prevent or reduce the flow of refrigerant.

It’s important to properly maintain the components of a tractor’s AC system so they can function properly and last as a long as possible. Servicing this system regularly is important and getting problems addressed in a timely manner can help prevent more serious and costly damage. A trained agricultural mechanic can help diagnose the source of the problem and perform repairs or preventative maintenance.

Tractor Air Conditioning FAQs

What are the benefits of having air conditioning in a tractor cab?

There are several reasons why it’s beneficial to have a tractor AC system. One of the main reasons is to increase the comfort of the driver and ensure they have a pleasant working environment. Increased driver comfort could mean more productivity. Plus, having an AC system allows for the tractor to be used year-round despite the weather conditions.  

Can I retrofit an older tractor with an air-conditioning system?

Yes, it’s possible to retrofit an older tractor with an air-conditioning system. You can learn skills to repair and diagnose AC systems in UTI’s Diesel Technology program that can help you install the system yourself or contact a professional diesel technician for assistance.

Are there any specific maintenance requirements for a tractor AC system?

Maintenance requirements for a tractor AC system are the same as any other vehicle AC system. Areas of importance include regularly changing filters, cleaning the condenser and keeping it free of debris and checking drive-belt tension.

Take Steps Toward a Future in Agriculture at UTI

Farming equipment like tractors relies on diesel power to stay running. If you’re interested in working in the agricultural industry, enrolling in the Diesel Technology program offered at UTI can be a great first step toward pursuing a career as an agricultural mechanic.¹

Agricultural mechanics, also known as agricultural technicians, work to maintain and repair farming equipment like tractors, plows, harvesters and more. These professionals provide necessary service that directly impacts the lives of others.

The 45-week diesel program is offered at 12 campus locations nationwide and offers training for the industry.⁷ Apply your experience toward the agricultural field or graduate prepared to pursue a career as a diesel technician in a variety of industries.

Plus, the program is certified by the ASE Education Foundation.¹⁶ This means graduates can substitute their training for one of the two years of work experience needed to test for ASE certifications.

Does diesel training sound like a good fit? Request more info at the link below.