EPA or A-tractors have gained popularity among young people, and it's become a lifestyle to cruise around in an EPA tractor, blasting EPAdunk tunes. Sweden Herald will dive into the topic and explain why EPA tractors are an integral part of modern Swedish youth culture.
History
EPA tractors started being built as early as the 1920s. They were popular until the 1950s, when cheaper and more efficient agricultural tractors became available. In the 1960s and 1970s, interest in EPA tractors revived among young people because they could be driven before turning 18.
EPA tractor regulations
An EPA tractor can be a converted car, lorry, or even a bus, adapted according to agricultural machinery rules. Initially, the top speed was 20 km/h, but it was later increased to 30 km/h. The requirements for an EPA tractor include a load-bearing frame, no suspension on the rear axle, and a maximum gear ratio of 10:1 between the engine and wheels. Since 1982, they've also had to display a warning triangle symbol, known as an LGF-plate (Slow-Moving Vehicle).
EPAdunk
EPAdunk, also known as EPA-dunk or ragga-dunk, is a music genre associated with EPA tractors and A-tractors in Sweden. The music, often electronic, features lyrics about alcohol, sex, and driving EPA tractors. The genre has achieved significant success in recent years, with several tracks among the most played on streaming services. EPAdunk is part of a larger lifestyle and culture where young people show off their vehicles and sound systems. Artists like Bolaget, Rasmus Gozzi, Fröken Snusk, and Hooja are strongly linked to the genre.
Fröken Snusk - Boivie, CC BY 4.0
EPA tractor accidents
The number of injuries has averaged around 500 people per year. In 2023, there were 346 personal injury accidents involving EPA tractors, resulting in two fatalities [1].
Next time you're stuck in traffic on a country road and a long queue forms, you'll know what might be causing the delay."
Sources: Wikipedia, Transportstyrelsen
