The Bedtime Scientist

A question

How can a tractor pull something so heavy?

A calm, true answer. Then, if the wondering keeps going, the whole episode.

The short answer

By giving up speed. A tractor's low gears turn the engine's effort into enormous pulling force instead of quick movement, which is the trade every strong machine makes.

Its huge wheels help too, spreading the weight so it grips soft earth instead of sinking or spinning. That is why the strongest machine on the farm is also the slowest one.

Go deeper tonight

Farm Tractors: A Field of Dreams

The full episode, in one calm voice, with nothing that startles.

The episode

Farm Tractors: A Field of Dreams

0:00 9:38
Sleep timer

Read the guide for this one in the morning.

This connects to

Force and machines

One idea turns up in many different nights. Follow one and the library starts to join up.