Abstract: The hinge for the hood of an agricultural tractor includes a reversing plate pivotally mounted on the vehicle body. A first hinge arm has one end coupled to the reversing plate and a second end coupled to the hood. A second hinge arm has one end coupled to the vehicle body and a second end coupled to the hood. The reversing plate is rotated by a manually-operated lever mechanism. A lock mechanism near a front end of the hood retains the hood in a closed position and releases the hood only after a first opening phase, after which the hood can be fully opened during a second opening phase. A gas spring is coupled between the vehicle body and the reversing plate. In the closed position the gas spring helps to hold the hood in the closed position. The gas spring helps to open the hood after the reversing plate is rotated by a certain amount beyond a neutral position.