Assessment of the change in the rolling resistance of a wheel in varied field conditions

Abstract

The paper presents the research results concerning the rolling resistance of a wheel on agricultural surfaces. Research on traction was carried out in field conditions with the use of a mobile stand; a wheel with 9.5-24 tyre was investigated; values of the rolling resistance and the pulling force were analysed with reference to the wheel slip. A type of surface (soil, sod), its compaction and the vertical load of a wheel were assumed as factors. Based on the obtained results, it was proved that the rolling resistance was by approx. 30% higher on soil than on sod. Differences resulting from the variety of surfaces were higher than the differences caused by various values of their compaction (did not exceed 25%). No significant impact of compaction changes on the rolling resistance and pulling force values were proved but a considerable increase of the rolling resistance value along with the decrease of its compaction were determined. Moreover, it was proved that the increase of the vertical load of a wheel resulted in the increase of the rolling resistance and the pulling force on both grounds but these changes were higher on soil than on sod.