There are many types of tractors on Sodor, built for different purposes.
Farm Tractors
These tractors are used for ploughing fields and hauling trailers. The trailers carry farm products, such as hay bales and wool and are delivered to markets.
Technical Details
Basis
The cabless tractors are based on the Ford 5000 model. Willie's tractor has this basis. The cab tractors are based on the Ford 7810.
Livery
The tractors are painted blue, red, green and orange. They mostly have silver or red hubcaps, while others have the same coloured hubcaps as their bodies.
Appearances
Trivia
- A tractor's model is currently on display at Drayton Manor.
- In Tramway Engines and Small Railway Engines, tractors were seen with faces.
Construction Tractors
These tractors have caterpillar tracks and are used at digging and construction sites. They are also used at the quarries to dig as well as lift and push rocks. Occasionally, they can be seen at Knapford Harbour. The tractors are fitted with either a bulldozer blade or a digging bucket.
One of them was once part of a convoy that helped restore power to a village on Christmas Eve.
Technical Details
Basis
The tractors are based on the 1934 vintage Caterpillar Model 70 - the largest and last design of petrol-powered tractors in Caterpillar's range. Terence shares the same basis.
Livery
The tractors are painted grey-brown. One was seen in yellow in the magazine story, Christmas Crisis.
Appearances
Trivia
- One of the tractors first appeared as scrap set-dressing in TUGS.
Willie's Tractor
Willie owns a tractor that he drives alongside the Arlesdale Railway. The tractor was also driven by Farmer McColl.
Biography
Once, Willie and his tractor were late to deliver a load of wool and he did not secure the bales properly. Unfortunately, due to Willie's carelessness and an overloaded trailer, the load slipped onto the line, causing Rex to crash into it and derail.
Technical Details
Basis
Willie's tractor is based on a Ford 5000 tractor. Several other tractors share the same basis.
In the Railway Series, the tractor had headlights, resembling eyes.
Livery
Willie's tractor is painted purple in the Railway Series, while it is painted green in the television series.
Appearances
The Railway Series
- Small Railway Engines - Useful Railway (does not speak)
Companion Volumes
- 1996 - Thomas the Tank Engine: The Complete Collection (does not speak)
Thomas & Friends
- Series 19 - The Truth About Toby and Henry Spots Trouble
- Series 20 - Mike's Whistle and Useful Railway
Specials
Dan the Front Loader
Dan the Front Loader is a blue tractor who first appeared in a lift-the-flap book called The Busy Engines. He appeared nameless in the book, but was christened 'Dan' by the book's illustrator Dan Crisp. He also appears multiple times in the book Ten Little Engines.
Technical Details
Basis
Dan is based on the Ford 5000 model with an added front arm with hay spears.
Livery
Dan is painted blue.