The Effect of Tire Inflation Pressure on Fuel Consumption of an Agricultural Tractor Operating on Paved Roads

Abstract

Low-correct tire inflation pressure has been recommended for use in agricultural fields to improve the tractive performance and fuel economy of a tractor. However, on paved roads, higher inflation pressure appears to result in better performance. To determine the effect of inflation pressure on fuel consumption during transport operations, extensive tests were conducted using a John Deere 7810 MFWD tractor equipped with Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), single front 600/65R28 tires, and single rear 710/70R38 tires and operating at 40 km h-1 (25 mph) on pavement. Three different inflation pressures (62, 110, and 158 kPa, or 9, 16, and 23 psi) and four different levels of trailer mass were used during these tests. The experimental plan included three replications. During each test, drawbar load, wheel angular velocity, forward speed, total fuel consumption, and CAN bus-reported fuel consumption rate were obtained using sensors and data acquisition systems. Results clearly indicated that fuel consumption rate decreased linearly as inflation pressure increased at all load levels used in this study. On average, fuel economy in terms of distance traveled per unit fuel consumed increased by 7.3% and 11.4% at 110 kPa (16 psi) and 158 kPa (23 psi) inflation pressures, respectively, when compared to a low inflation pressure of 62 kPa (9 psi).