Abstract
Abstract Tractors are used for various types of field work, as well as for transport on public roads, in difficult and changing environmental conditions. The main goal of the study was to analyze the changes of trace elements in engine oil during various field works. For this purpose, engine oils from two tractors were selected for the study. These tractors were coupled with: a cultivator, a reversible plow, a tillage-sowing unit, and a trailer. The samples were taken at the beginning and after the field work with a given unit was completed. The instrumental chemical analysis method HDXRF was used to determine changes in the content of the trace elements: Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Ca, P, Zn, and Mo in the engine oil. The comparison of oil from tractors coupled with various agricultural machines allowed the conclusion that the distribution of the consumption of tested metals, as well as the concentrations of individual elements, differed significantly depending on the coupled machine. The research showed that agricultural treatments with a cultivator caused the highest percentage of wear-induced changes in the content of metal elements such as Cr, Cu, and Pb. On the other hand, the operation of a tractor coupled with a tillage-sowing unit resulted in the vehicle’s accelerated wear.
Highlights
Tractors are used for various types of field work, as well as for transport on public roads, in difficult and changing environmental conditions
Analysis of changes in the content of elements in engine oil is a potential source of information about the wear process of individual engine components
Comparison of oils from tractors coupled with various agricultural machines allowed to conclude that, regardless of the type of field work, highly statistically significant differences were observed in the case of changes in the content of iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca)
Summary
Tractors are used for various types of field work, as well as for transport on public roads, in difficult and changing environmental conditions. The content of elements in the engine oil depends mainly on the intensity of wear processes, and to a small extent on contact with fuel or cooling liquid. Typical wear products are elements used in the construction of engine subassemblies, including Fe, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Al. On other hand, the additives to the engine oil enhancing its basic functions are reduced, which could contribute to accelerated wear of the elements. Monitoring the level of the elements: Ca, K, Na, B, Si, Zn, P and Sb in the oil, which is usually associated with the applied additives and/or impurities reaching the oil during wear, allows to determine the rate of oil degradation (Hurtová and Sejkorová, 2016; Chmielewski, 2017; Grimmig et al, 2021)
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