what printer uses tractor feed

What is Tractor Feed?

Tractor feed is a type of paper feeding mechanism that was commonly used in printers in the past. Typically, the paper would be fed through the printer using a series of pin feed holes that were found on either side of the paper. These holes were then gripped by the printer's tractor wheels, which would then feed the paper through the printer. While this type of paper feeding mechanism is not so commonly used anymore, it is still found in some printers today.

What Printers Use Tractor Feed?

While there are very few printers on the market today that still use tractor feed, there are still a few models available that use this technology. Some of the more popular models include the Epson Dot Matrix Printers, the Okidata Microline printers, and certain models of the Fujitsu printer line. Although these models may be difficult to find, especially in larger retail stores, they are still in use in certain industries that require a more reliable and durable form of printing.

Advantages of Tractor Feed Printers

One of the biggest advantages of tractor feed printers is that they are designed with continuous forms in mind. This means that they are ideal for printing large quantities of stock, invoices, shipping labels, and other documentation formats that require long, continuous printing. Additionally, these printers are built to be more durable and reliable than other types of printers, as they are designed to withstand heavy use and repeated printing. They are also less prone to jamming, as the continuous paper feed process is designed to create a continuous printing path that is less likely to encounter obstructions.

Disadvantages of Tractor Feed Printers

While tractor feed printers are useful in certain situations, they do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of printers. For example, they can be more complicated to set up and use than regular printers. The paper also needs to be loaded carefully, as any misalignment can result in skewing or jamming of the printer. Additionally, the printing quality of these printers can be lower than other types of printers, as they are designed to print on continuous paper that is typically lower quality than regular paper.

Conclusion

Tractor feed printers are a reliable and durable option for businesses that require continuous printing of large quantities of stock or documentation. While they do have some disadvantages, such as a more complicated setup process and lower printing quality, they remain a popular choice for certain industries. With the right care and maintenance, these printers can continue to serve their users for many years to come.