The terms A tractor and EPA tractor are often used as synonyms for each other, but in fact they are two different vehicle classes.
However, the similarities between the two are many.
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That’s how the EPA tractor came about
The EPA tractor was not originally a vehicle type in its own right, but rather a way for farmers to obtain an inexpensive alternative to a real farm tractor, according to Sweden’s Hembygdsförbund.
Ordinary passenger cars were therefore rebuilt so that they could be registered as agricultural machinery. Specific regulations for EPA tractors were introduced in the EPA Tractor Proclamation in 1940.
However, as real tractors became more capable in the 1950s, the popularity of EPA tractors among farmers declined.
EPA tractors became popular in the 60s and 70s – Photo: Leif R Jansson/TTEPA tractor was banned in 1975
However, the EPA tractor got a new start in the 60s and 70s, when young people woke up to the fact that the age limit on tractors was only 15 years. The EPA tractor thus meant a shortcut to driving a car before turning 18.
In 1963, the regulations for A tractors were introduced as an alternative to EPA tractors.
However, after the EPA tractors began to be perceived as a road hazard, new registrations were banned in 1975, and A tractors remained the only option.
The difference between EPA and A tractor
The EPA tractor and the A tractor actually have many similarities, as they are both classified as tractors and are not allowed to drive faster than 30 km/h.
A tractors have stricter regulations, and their top speed must be limited to 30 km/h.
For an EPA, the definition is instead that the ratio should be 10:1, which limits the speed of the vehicle. On an EPA tractor, the rear axle must also not be sprung.
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That’s why it’s called an EPA tractor
Since the EPA tractor came about as something of a grassroots movement, its name also did not originate in an agency office.
Instead, the vehicle type is named after the low-price chain EPA, or Enhetsprisaktiebolaget, which was big in Sweden for a long time.
The EPA chain of stores named the EPA tractor – Photo: Björn Gullander/TT
Naming an inexpensive form of tractor after a retail chain with a distinct focus on low prices was simply natural.
EPA is still widely used to describe A tractors, while the letter combination’s career as a trademark is long over.
The EPA chain of stores merged with Tempo in 1978 and the department stores adopted the latter company’s brand. Later, the Tempo department stores changed their name to Åhléns.
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