Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

OT- tractor, semi?

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
chuck t

02-15-2007 15:43:53




Report to Moderator

Why is a tractor-trailer rig called a semi? Is the tractor itself a semi? No Teamsters I know can explain this.




[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
john in la

02-16-2007 03:40:58




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to chuck t, 02-15-2007 15:43:53  
Semi refers to the trailer. A semi trailer is a trailer without front axles so a large portion of the weight is supported by the truck.

When a road tractor is hooked to a semi trailer it is often called a semi truck.

Semi trailers can be converted to full trailers by using a dolly converter but they are still considered semi trailers.

A true full trailer has a non removable front axle and all the weight is carried by the trailer wheels.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jim WJ

02-15-2007 19:03:51




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to chuck t, 02-15-2007 15:43:53  
Semi meaning half, It takes two halves to make one [complete] truck unit. Hope this helps.
Jim WJ- 15 year member of the teamsters.
First half is a truck tractor driving this alone is what we call bobtailing.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
sodly

02-15-2007 17:08:44




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to chuck t, 02-15-2007 15:43:53  
I always thought "semi" referred to semi-articulated. That is, the tractor can rotate relative to the trailer in one plane (horizontal), I think. It"s not fully articulated, only partially. It also cannot turn a full 360 degrees relative to the trailer.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
chuck t

02-15-2007 16:31:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to chuck t, 02-15-2007 15:43:53  
Thanks! I have heard all sorts of wild guesses.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
earthmasterk

02-15-2007 16:17:38




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to chuck t, 02-15-2007 15:43:53  
There are several types of trailers. For an example, there are full trailers. They have their own wheels, both front and rear, and they carry all of the load. They are pulled by some sort of power unit that doesn't carry any of the load.

A semi trailer has wheels on the back witch will carry 1/2 the load and the front 1/2 of the load is carried by the power unit. That is why it is called a semi, because the trailer is only part of a load carrying unit, and is why they are called semi tractors and semi trailers. Together the make up a full unit.

A set of doubles are considered a semi tractor, semi trailer and a full trailer.

From a retired teamster.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
edchainsaw

02-15-2007 20:06:03




Report to Moderator
 Re: OT- tractor, semi? in reply to earthmasterk, 02-15-2007 16:17:38  
this is right -- and semi means PART not half.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy