Red Seal Agricultural Equipment Technician Practice Exam

What can cause a tractor to lose power during operation?

1. Excessive Weight

2. Fuel starvation, clogged filters, or mechanical failure

3. Improper Tire Pressure

4. High Heading Speed

The correct answer is: Fuel starvation, clogged filters, or mechanical failure

A tractor can lose power during operation due to issues like fuel starvation, clogged filters, or mechanical failure. Fuel starvation occurs when the engine does not receive an adequate supply of fuel, which can be caused by several factors, such as an empty fuel tank, a faulty fuel pump, or clogged fuel lines. Clogged filters, whether they're fuel, air, or oil filters, can restrict the flow necessary for optimal engine function, leading to reduced power output. Mechanical failures encompass a wide range of issues, including problems with the engine's internals, transmission, or other components that may hinder the tractor's ability to operate effectively. Each of the other options can impact the performance of the tractor, but they do not directly cause a loss of power in the same way. Excessive weight can limit what a tractor can pull or carry, but it doesn't inherently result in a mechanical power loss. Improper tire pressure can affect traction and fuel efficiency, leading to performance issues but not a direct loss of power from the engine itself. High heading speed can relate more to how the tractor is being used under load rather than a loss of engine power, which is a more specific issue directly linked to the engine's ability to perform.