Steel Tracks and Sloped Terrain Farming in the Pacific Northwes

[MikePhua]

Adapting Equipment to Topography
In the rolling wheat fields of the Pacific Northwest, farming practices are shaped as much by the land as by the machines that work it. While flat fields dominate the Midwest, the terrain in regions like Shutler Flats quickly gives way to steep draws and broken gullies. This variation demands equipment that can maintain traction and stability on slopes exceeding 30 percent. Steel-tracked machines, often considered outdated in flatter regions, remain a staple here—not for nostalgia, but for necessity.
Rubber tracks and wheeled tractors offer speed and comfort, but when pulling a 40-foot cultivator across uneven ground, steel tracks provide unmatched grip and weight distribution. Farmers in the area continue to rely on older AG-6 and D6 dozers, though many are transitioning to newer Challenger, Case, and John Deere rubber-tracked units that blend traction with modern hydraulics and cab ergonomics.
Terminology Annotation
- Steel Tracks: Continuous metal track systems used on dozers and older tractors, offering high traction and low ground pressure on uneven terrain.
- Rubber Tracks: Flexible track systems used on modern tractors and compact equipment, offering smoother rides and reduced soil compaction.
- Draws and Gullies: Natural depressions in the landscape formed by erosion, often steep and difficult to navigate with wheeled equipment.
- Cultivator: A tillage implement used to prepare soil for planting, often requiring significant pulling force on large units.
Repurposing Legacy Equipment
One of the more inventive practices in the region involves recycling old combines and sprayers into custom-built machines. Farmers have converted Gleaners and 95H units into specialized sprayers, blending mechanical ingenuity with cost-saving pragmatism. These modifications often include retrofitting hydraulic booms, adding GPS guidance systems, and reinforcing frames for slope work.
In one example, a farmer transformed a retired combine into a hillside sprayer capable of navigating steep wheat terraces. The machine retained its steel tracks and was fitted with a low-profile tank and adjustable boom arms. It became a local icon of resourcefulness, outperforming newer wheeled sprayers in traction and fuel efficiency.
Regional Equipment Preferences and Market Trends
While rubber-tracked machines dominate sales in the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest maintains a mixed fleet. Dealers report steady demand for both steel-tracked legacy units and high-horsepower rubber-tracked tractors like the Challenger MT series. These newer machines offer advanced suspension systems, cab climate control, and telematics—but they must still prove themselves on steep terrain.
Claas tracked tractors, once rebadged as Caterpillar units, have limited presence in North America. The Challenger brand, formerly under Caterpillar, was sold to AGCO, shifting market dynamics. Farmers in the region remain cautious about adopting unfamiliar brands, preferring proven platforms with local dealer support and parts availability.
Recommendations for Slope Farming Equipment
To optimize performance on steep terrain:
• Use steel-tracked machines for primary tillage and heavy pulling
• Retrofit older units with hydraulic upgrades and safety features
• Maintain track tension and inspect undercarriage components regularly
• Choose rubber-tracked tractors with aggressive tread patterns for mixed terrain
• Avoid wheeled machines on slopes exceeding 25 percent unless equipped with duals or ballast
• Train operators in slope navigation and emergency procedures
For farmers considering equipment upgrades, demoing machines on actual terrain is essential. Traction, stability, and operator confidence often outweigh horsepower and speed in these conditions.
Conclusion
Farming in the Pacific Northwest demands a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Steel-tracked machines, once considered obsolete, continue to prove their worth on steep and broken ground. Through repurposing legacy equipment and selectively adopting modern technology, farmers maintain productivity and safety in one of the most challenging agricultural landscapes in North America. The terrain may be unforgiving, but with the right machine underfoot, the harvest rolls on.