Adaptation of multipurpose tractors to row spaces of cotton crops

Abstract

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, cotton cultivation is carried out on row spacings of 60; 76 and 90 cm. The machine-tractor parks of cotton-growing farms are equipped with agricultural machines designed for these inter-row spacings and they are aggregated by tractors with gauges designed for them. Such a variety of tractor gauges creates the problem of mismatch between the gauge and row spacing when moving from one row spacing to another, increases the variety of spare parts and narrows the scope of their use only within one type of row spacing. The discrepancy between the gauge of serial universal row-crop tractors and the cultivated row spacing leads to damage to the plant and compaction of the soil in the area where its root system is located. Overconsolidation of the soil by more than 1.1 g/cm3 leads to a slowdown in plant growth and development, an increase in soil resistivity during subsequent tillage operations and, most importantly, a decrease in crop yield. Studies have established that, despite the variety of designs of known devices used to adjust the track, they change the track stepwise and in an insufficient range, as a result of which the tractor does not fit into the row spacing. To eliminate the shortcomings of the known methods for adjusting the track, a device has been developed for adapting the tractor running system to work on different row spacings. The developed device allows, without the use of attachments or interchangeable axle shafts and their casings, to accurately adapt the tractor’s running system to the aisle of crops cultivated by it, thereby eliminating the existing shortcomings of serial universal row-cultivator tractors. The article provides a description of the proposed technical solution and the method of its application.