Tractor Power Research Articles

Statistical modelling of a tractor tractive performance during ploughing operation on a tropical Alfisol

Abstract Tractor is the most prominent off-road agricultural machinery that is significant to the global food security. The tractive modelling of tyre–soil interaction and agricultural implement dynamics is a complex phenomenon that require holistic approach. Terramechanics techniques such as empirical, semi-empirical, analytical, and numerical methods such as finite element models and discrete element models have gained traction in tractive performance studies. Some of these approaches are premised on large arrays of variables for modelling tractive performance based on the soil–tyre and tools interactions. In this study, soft computing in R software domain was used to model the tractor tractive performance during ploughing operations on a tropical Alfisol. The research farm at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization was used for the field experiment. The experimental design was a nested-factorial under a Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. The input factors were tractor power size, T, (60, 65, and 70 hp); tyre inflation pressure, P, (83, 124, and 165 kPa); implement configuration, I, (2 and 3 bottoms disc plough); and operational speed, S, (6.31, 7.90, 9.47, 11.05, and 12.63 km/h). Standard procedures were followed to obtain the measured parameters in the field, which were statistically analysed. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance of the measured parameters at 5% significance level were established. Multiple linear regression was used to develop the model, validated using the 10-fold cross-validation method. The results revealed that the evaluated variables have a range of 1.56–7.79 kN, 5.15–27.20%, 9.10–32.00 cm, 4.50–13.94%, 1.31–1.67 g/cm3, 95.89–207.78 kPa, and 98.67–295.56 for draught, wheel slip, depth of cut, moisture content, bulk density, cone index (CI), and shear stress, respectively. A positive correlation exists between the towing force (TF) and the measured variables except for the shear stress and CI. The final developed model has seven variables for predicting TF with a 6.5% error and an average of 0.4735 cross validation root mean square error. The model quality of fit achieved an R Adj 2 = 0.8754 {R}_{\text{Adj}}^{2}=0.8754 which satisfactorily described the response variable. The study provides insights into tractive dynamic systems modelling of machine, tractive medium (soil), and agricultural tools anchored on soft computing approach. Its adoption will assist in quality ploughing operation integrating the variables established in the model.

Dual-Source Cooperative Optimized Energy Management Strategy for Fuel Cell Tractor Considering Drive Efficiency and Power Allocation

To solve the problems of the low driving efficiency of a fuel cell tractor power source and the high hydrogen consumption caused by the irrational power allocation of the energy source, the power system was divided into two parts, power source and energy source, and a dual-source cooperative optimization energy management strategy was proposed. Firstly, a general energy efficiency optimization method was designed for the power source composed of a traction motor and PTO motor, and the energy source was composed of a fuel cell and power battery. Secondly, the unified objective function and constraint conditions were established, and the instantaneous optimization algorithm was used to construct the weight factor. The instantaneous optimal drive efficiency energy management strategy and the instantaneous optimal equivalent hydrogen consumption energy management strategy were designed, respectively. Finally, with the demand power as the transfer parameter, the instantaneous optimal drive efficiency energy management strategy and the instantaneous optimal equivalent hydrogen consumption energy management strategy were integrated to form a dual-source collaborative optimal energy management strategy. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, a rule-based energy management strategy was developed as a comparison strategy and tested in an HIL test under plowing and rotary plowing conditions. The results show that the average fuel cell efficiency of the proposed strategy increased by 7.86% and 8.17%, respectively, and the proposed strategy’s equivalent hydrogen consumption decreased by 24.21% and 9.82%, respectively, compared with the comparison strategy under the two conditions. It can significantly reduce the SOC fluctuation of the power battery and extend the service life of the power battery.

Development and implementation of a raspberry Pi-based IoT system for real-time performance monitoring of an instrumented tractor

The tractor serves as a crucial power source in agricultural operations. However, the tractor's power often remains underutilized due to a mismatch between the tractor and implement, considering specific field conditions. To enhance system output, it becomes vital to acquire data on performance-related parameters for the tractor-implement combination. In this study we develop a real-time Instrumented Tractor Performance Monitoring System (ITPMS) using the Internet-of-Things (IoT). This system consists of a Raspberry Pi, a GPS sensor, a proximity sensor, a rotary potentiometer, and a three-point hitch dynamometer. The rotary potentiometer measures tillage depth, while the three-point hitch dynamometer used to measure data on draft force. Proximity sensors are installed on a two-wheel drive (2WD) tractor to measure forward speed and drive-wheel slip. We establish a dedicated web server using a Google® Firebase® project to store data from all sensors through Raspberry Pi. Additionally, we design a web interface and a mobile application to provide real-time data generated from the sensors. Field experiments were done to evaluate and monitor the performance parameters of the tractor-implement combination utilising the developed ITPMS. The results demonstrate that the system effectively monitors the performance parameters necessary for tractor-implement combination. Furthermore, the system's capability to update data to the IoT server in real-time is validated. Overall, the development and implementation of this Raspberry Pi based IoT system, provides a reliable and efficient solution for real-time performance monitoring of instrumented tractors.

Comical Attractions of Hanoman as Commercial Tractive Power of Kecak Ramayana in Pura Uluwatu Bali

The article examines the commercial tractive power of Kecak Ramayana in Pura Uluwatu Bali. Kecak Ramayana has become tourism commodity since 1930s, thanks to I Wayan Limbak and Walter Spies. One of characters in Kecak Ramayana is Hanoman, considered as the most attractive character. The Ramayana Story is a sacred epic recounting the struggle of Sri Rama against the evil of Rahwana, King of Alengka. Foreign tourists love this story and seem fairly enthusiastic to see the show. The number of foreigners who come to see Kecak Ramayana has increased every year, impacting the commercialization of Kecak Ramayana as tourism art. The tractive power behind the show becomes the question that warrants exploration. The research methodology employs observational qualitative descriptive, gathering data from interview and field observation. Data analysis involves two techniques, namely visual textual descriptive and interpretative. The result of research consists of three aspects, respectively (1) the role of Hanoman character in Kecak Ramayana, (2) the comedic allure of Hanoman as spectator decoy, and (3) the impact of Hanoman’s comedic appeal on the commercial success of Kecak Ramayana. Keywords: kecak Ramayana, tourism commodity, tourism art

Study on Tractive System and Power Conveyance of EV Go-Kart

Abstract: This paper gives an overview on a cognizant strategy while selecting the major components of tractive system and power conveyance of Ev go-kart. This study was compiled according to the rules specified in the 2023-2024 GKDC. Go-Kart is a racing vehicle having very low ground clearance and can be worked on only flat racing circuits. The vehicle is iterative and is based on various engineering and reverse engineering processes depending upon the availability, cost and other such factors. All the parameters like Reliability, safety, Cost, Performance, aesthetics, ergonomics, Standard dimensions & material were also taken into consideration at the same time. We have also taken into account the battery management system, motors and other electrical management systems along with a brief description about their working and specifications. Through detailed analysis of the tractive system components such as motors, controllers, batteries, and drivetrain configurations, this research seeks to identify key parameters influencing the overall performance and acceleration characteristics of electric gokarts. Furthermore, the project evaluates the impact of various factors including motor selection, battery technology, and drivetrain layouts on the overall efficiency and dynamic response of electric go-karts. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights for enhancing the design and performance of electric go-karts, thus advancing the development of sustainable and high-performance recreational and competitive electric go-karts

Prediction of Specific Fuel Consumption of a Tractor during the Tillage Process Using an Artificial Neural Network Method

In mechanized agricultural activities, fuel is particularly important for tillage operations. In this study, the impact of seven distinct parameters on fuel usage per unit of draft power was examined. The parameters are tractor power, soil texture index, plowing speed, plowing depth, width of implement, and both initial soil moisture content and soil bulk density. This study investigated the construction of an artificial neural network (ANN) model for tractor-specific fuel consumption predictions for two tillage implements: chisel and moldboard plows. The ANN model was created based on the collection of related data from previous research studies, and the validation was performed using actual field experiments in clay soil using a chisel plow. The developed ANN model (9-22-1) was confirmed by graphical assessment; additionally, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was computed. Based on the RMSE, the results demonstrated a good agreement for specific fuel consumption per draft power between the observed and predicted values, with corresponding RMSE values of 0.08 L/kWh and 0.075 L/kWh for the training and testing datasets, respectively. The novelty of the work presented in this paper is that, for the first time, a farm machinery manager can optimize tractor fuel consumption per draft power by carefully controlling certain parameters, such as initial soil moisture content, tractor power, plowing speed, implement width, and depth of plowing. The results show that the input parameters make a significant contribution to the output over the used data with different percentages. Accordingly, the contribution analysis showed that the implement width had a high impact on tractor-specific fuel consumption for both plows at 30.13%; additionally, the chisel and moldboard plows contributed 4.19% and 4.25% in predicting tractor fuel consumption per draft power. This study concluded that practical useful advice for agricultural production can be achieved through optimizing fuel consumption rate by selecting the proper levels of affecting parameters to reduce fuel costs. Moreover, an ANN model could be used to develop future tractor fuel-planning schemes for tillage operations.

Structural strength analysis of a rotary drum mower during harvesting

A Rotary Drum Mower (RDM) is a tractor-mounted mechanism used for harvesting green fodder crops. It faces dynamic forces from rough field surfaces and cutting resistance, posing design challenges and potential failures. This study aims to present a well-designed procedure for analysing the structural strength of an RDM during harvesting, employing both experimental and engineering simulation methods. A specific harvesting scenario was created to simulate realistic load conditions. Experimental testing and advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations were conducted. Tractor Power Take-off (PTO) torque measurements during harvesting revealed values of 231.07 Nm, 264.44 Nm, and 269.39 Nm at speeds of 8.56 km h-1, 12.6 km h-1, and 16.23 km h-1, respectively. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to determine stress levels in the RDM components (RDM165-A-004, RDM165-B-003, and RDM165-B-004). The FEA stress results ranged from 5.070 MPa to 20.600 MPa, 13.800 MPa to 28.600 MPa, and 5.400 MPa to 27.550 MPa, respectively. Experimental testing yielded stress results ranging from 2.127 MPa to 18.600 MPa, 14.618 MPa to 33.229 MPa, and 8.838 MPa to 31.248 MPa, respectively. The comparison between experimental and FEA results showed reasonable correlation. FEA visual outputs provided insights into the maximum equivalent stress and deformation distributions on the RDM, with no indications of failure in the machine's structure observed in either the experimental or numerical analyses. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the machine analysed operates safely under harvesting conditions. Moreover, the combination of experimental and advanced CAE methodologies presented in this research offers a valuable approach for future investigations into the complex stress and deformation evaluations of rotary drum mowers.

ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF APPLICATION OF HYDRAULIC MOTOR-WHEELS IN TRANSMISSIONS HIGH-SPEED TRACTORS

Goal. The purpose of the article is to assess the possibility of developing a hydraulic fluid power in accordance with the standard traction-speed characteristics of the KhTZ-17021 wheeled tractor with the of using gearless drives of the driving wheels. For this purpose, the calculation of the hydraulic fluid power of the wheeled tractor was performed when using the latest radial piston multi-cycle hydraulic motor-wheels with a wide range of rotation frequency and adjustment of the working volume. Research methodology. An analysis of the traction-speed characteristics of the KhTZ- 17021 wheeled tractor and, based on it, a review of modern high-torque radial-piston multi-cycle hydraulic motors from the point of view of meeting the characteristics of torque and rotation frequency with power limitations relative to the serial model in the full speed range of the tractor. The maximum values of the working volumes of the 4 driving hydraulic motor-wheels and the power supply pump of these hydraulic motors, the torque and pressure drop in the hydraulic drive are calculated, and the modes in which it is necessary to change the working volume of the hydraulic motors from the maximum to the minimum values to work out the traction-speed characteristics. A comparative analysis of radial-piston multi-cycle hydraulic motors was carried out, and for the hydromotor-wheel model MHP27 of the "Poclain Hydraulics" company, which was chosen for the study, the hydraulic principle diagrams were considered with the use of a hydraulic regulation system of four stages of the working volume in hydraulic motors, the use of combined parking and service brakes, as well as an anti-skid system using means of proportional electro-hydraulic automation. The results. High-torque hydraulic motor-wheels of the radial piston type were selected, which make it possible to ensure the operation of the tractor transmission without intermediate gearboxes between the hydraulic motors and wheel hubs, and the calculated value of the working volume of the axial piston pump, which ensures the operation of the tractor transmission in the full speed range. Based on the results of the calculations, it was established that the pressure in the hydraulic drive does not exceed 35 MPa, while values from 40 MPa to 50 MPa are achieved in modern pumps and hydraulic motors. The possibility of increasing the speed of the tractor from standard 35 km/h to promising 50 km/h is shown.

Technical aspects of the selection of an engine-generator set for a dual-drive locomotive

The use of dual-drive rolling stock is a relatively new solution on the railway market. Vehicle with such type of powertrain is more versatile because it combines the advantages of using diesel vehicles and electric vehicles that consume energy from overhead electric traction. The concept of using such vehicles is highly innovative and has many advantages, however, the design and construction process is more complicated and requires more work than in the case of conventional systems. This article presents the methodology and process of selecting an engine-generator set for a dual-drive locomotive. Indicators and procedures, crucial in the process of selecting a dual-drive system for a locomotive, were described and evaluated. All above mentioned in the work were used during the real design process of a fully Polish locomotive with both diesel and electric drives. The locomotive in Diesel mode was to have an output power of circa 1,560 kW for cargo transport. Calculations for the locomotive's power balance are included, showing power losses in the system and for locomotive's own needs. It has been shown that in cargo transport 77% of the maximum engine power is used as tractive power, and in passenger transport 58.6%.

АНАЛИЗ ЭНЕРГОНАСЫЩЕННОСТИ РЫНКА СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ ТРАКТОРОВ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

The modern level of technical development makes it possible to produce high-power agricultural tractors and at the same time reduce the specific weight of the unit. Most of the US and European markets are represented by tractors up to the 2nd traction class, while in Russia there is a steady increase in the use of tractors of traction class over 2. It is known that an increase in the power of machine-tractor units leads to an increase in nominal operating speeds, as well as fuel and lubricants costs. There is also a decrease in the total mass of machine-tractor units, which, while increasing power, reduces the efficiency of using the unit when performing agrotechnological operations. Underloading of a high-power and low-weight unit leads to incomplete and irrational use of the life of machine-tractor units laid down by the manufacturer. (Research purpose) The research purpose is determining the share of high-power equipment in the markets of the Russian Federation. (Materials and methods) Studied the market of machine-tractor units in the Russian Federation on the basis of well-known works and information on technical data provided in open sources by manufacturers. (Results and discussion) We obtained diagrams describing the percentage of world and domestic agricultural tractor manufacturers in the Russian markets, their price range, the share of countries producing tractors of different traction classes, the number of high-power equipment for various traction classes. Based on the analysis of technical characteristics, we have compiled a summary table of the energy saturation of machine-tractor units in the Russian market. The specific power of each tractor model under study was calculated. The specific power of tractors within each traction class was brought. (Conclusions) It was shown that the results obtained indicate a high specific power of the tractor market in the Russian Federation.

Three-Point Hitch Dynamometer for Measuring Tractor-Implement Forces

Highlights A double-frame dynamometer for the three-point hitch of the tractor was presented. The dynamometer offers three-dimensional force measurement of tractor-implement force up to 400 kN. Dynamometer was tested during the in-field measurement using two tillage implements. Maximum achieved tractor-implement force during the in-field measurement was 164 kN. Abstract. Determination of the traction forces between the tractor and its implement is important due to optimal utilization of tractor power and its connected implement, estimation of soil properties or strength, and fatigue studies. The working width of agriculture implements is increasing, which demands higher traction forces. The article presents the design and test in-field measurement of a double-frame dynamometer for the three-point hitch of the tractors, which can measure forces up to 400 kN. The dynamometer is equipped with six force transducers positioned so that force measurement on all axes is possible. The connection of the dynamometer follows the standard ISO 730. The design of the dynamometer and force calculations are presented. The in-field measurement was performed using disc and chisel tillage implements at different tillage depths. The increasing magnitude of the resultant traction force with increasing tillage depth and the effect of the geometry of tillage machines were found. Keywords: Dynamometer, Force measurement, Soil tillage, Three-point hitch, Traction force, Tractor.

Analysis of Power Requirements for Peanut Digger (Digger - Shaker – Inverter Type)

An analysis of the power requirements of the peanut harvesting machine was carried out to determine the type and size of tractor power that will be used. A tractor with a self-propelled motor will distribute traction power to the peanut harvesting implement on the peanut digger unit (digger), the peanut plant shaker/shake unit and the pod reversing unit with peanut plants (inverter). Field performance results obtained by a digging machine with a 90 HP four-wheeled tractor with a working width of 120 cm, depth of 11.6 cm, working capacity of 3,27 hours/ha (0,31 ha/hours), field working efficiency of 72.05%, fuel oil usage of 6.95 liters/ ha, and power for harvesting peanuts of 9.2916 hp. The operational costs of a peanut harvesting machine is IDR 134,331 per ha. By using a (general) rental rate of IDR 175,000 per ha, a rental profit 0f IDR 33,951 per hais obtained with the BEP of the peanut harvesting machine having to work for 865.66 hours per year or 1,731 ha per year with a B/C ratio of 1,07966 at 10% interest and 1.06187 with 16% interest and IRR of 40,12%.

Field Tests of a Cultivator Proceeds between Row Soils in Vineyards

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental testing of the machine made as a result of the research on the basis of the scheme and parameters of the cultivator, which processes the soil between rows and rows of vines with a low cost, including vine rows with soil hardness varying between 1.4-1.8 mPa, the circumference of the bushes and The required tractor power is 21.53-35.09 kW when the resistance changes in the range of 12.41-16.37kN when moving the range of working speeds in the range of 1.45-1.8 m/s. In the tillage system, it is important to loosen the rows between the vines without overturning them. Gray soil soils in Uzbekistan have different mechanical composition and are very poor in humus. Cultivation of the vineyard soil at a depth of 20-25 cm for many years leads to the formation of a plow heel, as a result of which the water-physical properties of the soil and the development of the root system deteriorate, which negatively affects the growth and yield of the plant. The leaves of the vines turn yellow, they drop their leaves early, the amount of fruits that can be obtained decreases, and accordingly the percentage of fruits that fall to the ground increases. A decrease in the water permeability of the soil prolongs the irrigation time, as a result of which water is used inefficiently. Deep softening improves the water permeability of the soil and, accordingly, increases the coefficient of effective plant use of moisture entering the soil.

Интеллектуальная технология определения оптимального давления воздуха в шинах колёс сельскохозяйственных тракторов

The use of powerful tractors and wide-beam agricultural machinery, which have a strong compaction effect on the soil, is conditioned by the agricultural production profitability. The lack of a holistic systematic approach to reducing the anthropogenic compaction effect of wheel propulsors and working units of modern energy-intensive heavy machinery on the soil of agricultural landscapes requires the improvement of methods for determining the optimal air pressure in the tires of agricultural tractors. For this purpose, the authors developed an intelligent technology for determining the optimum air pressure in the various types of tires used in agricultural tractors. The problem was solved by processing “large” arrays of data on operating machine and tractor units and agrolandscapes in order to increase crop yields. Collection and analysis of primary data required for training the neural network were conducted on the fields of the Republic of Adygea during the cultivation of winter barley and winter wheat with the use of machinery equipped with Michelin AXIOBIB2 low-pressure tires. The Feed forward neural network was applied. Fourteen parameters were used as input factors to the neural network: types of soil, machinery and tires; field coordinates; presence and type of mounted equipment; season; type of tillage; granulometric composition, moisture and soil density; wheel diameters; motion speed of machines; field slope; agricultural background. The task set presumed the yield parameter as the main target function. The neural network pre-trained on a significant amount of input data calculates the optimal air pressure in tires when inputting the necessary data. Based on the designed software, the authors plan to develop a system of automatic adjustment of tire inflation depending on the incoming factors made in the offline and online modes.

The Impact of Purchasing New Agricultural Machinery on Fuel Consumption on Farms

The aim of this study was to see how purchases of new agricultural machinery affected fuel consumption on farms. This study, conducted in the Małopolska region in Poland, covered two reporting periods (before and after the purchase of machinery). The analysis included factors relevant to the indicators analyzed, including changes in fuel consumption, changes in the area of agrotechnical treatments, changes in working time, and changes in installed power. To study how fuel consumption evolves under different conditions, the following variables were used as grouping variables: area of farms, power of the largest tractor, index of technological modernization (ITM), groups of crops, groups of agrotechnical treatments, and groups of machinery. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the analyzed groups. The research showed that the purchases of new agricultural machinery increased fuel consumption on farms. In the population studied, the volume increased by 8% compared to the initial period. The increase in consumption after modernization was mainly due to the purchase of more powerful tractors, while the increase in productivity and the changes in technology due to more modern ones did not compensate for the increase in power demand.

DESIGN FEATURES OF TRACTORS MASSEY FERGUSON COMPANIES

Everyone who buys a Massey Ferguson tractor today expects it to meet the latest operational and environmental standards. It is expected to combine the best modern technologies, comfort, simplicity, reliability, quality and advanced agricultural experience. The MF8700 S series is developed and produced at AGCO's Beauvais (France) production plant, which is the winner of the prestigious "Factory of the Year - 2016" award, awarded in France by the leading industry magazine "L'Usine Nouvelle". The plant in Beauvais designs and manufactures Massey Ferguson tractors with a capacity of 75 - 400 hp. It is the largest producer and exporter of agricultural machinery in France. The plant is certified according to the ISO9001 standard. Over the past five years, EUR 300 million has been invested in the Beauvais tractor plant, which produces a number of powerful Massey Ferguson tractors. And it's done for a single purpose: to ensure that Massey Ferguson tractors meet standards of quality, reliability and performance, and thereby ensure that owners and operators who rely on this equipment have no problems. This is the main meaning of everything we do in Beauvais. Agriculture is in the blood of their engineers, the basis of their strategic thinking. They strive to find new solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenging agricultural challenges, such as the fuel-saving Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which they are the first to bring to market. The result - tractors that help run the farm have become more efficient and profitable. The new series of tractors of this company is aimed at consumers who need a powerful tractor for precision farming with a sophisticated design and optimized efficiency. New thinking works at all design stages and in all tractor functions without exception to increase power, comfort, ease of use, efficiency and reliability.

Design of tractor virtual test system based on high-level architecture technology.

The limitations of the tractor virtual test system are evident in various aspects, including model reuse, system expansion, offsite interconnection, and virtual reality verification. To address these challenges, a distributed virtual test system for tractors based on the high-level architecture (HLA) is proposed. Involve analyzing the hardware structure and the tractor virtual test system, constructing the system federation and its members, and designing the federated object model (FOM) and simulation object model (SOM) tables. The system integrates multi-domain commercial software and enables real-time virtual testing through TCP/IP interconnection of multiple machines. To evaluate the system's performance, a virtual test of the tractor's reversing clutch engagement performance is conducted. The system's simulation performance and data transmission delay are thoroughly tested and analyzed. The results indicate that when the system's data volume reaches 5000KB, the data delay is 9.7ms, which satisfies the requirement of not exceeding 10ms for tractor virtual testing delay. The virtual test of the reversing clutch power reversal process demonstrates that it lasts 0.7s, with the vehicle speed changing from -3.5km/h to 3.5km/h, the forward gear piston oil pressure increasing from 0MPa to 5MPa, and the peak impact degree reaching 17m/s3. The slip work during the reversing process is measured to be 21kJ. Furthermore, the gray correlation method is employed to compare the virtual test results with the bench test results, confirming their consistency. The power reversal process exhibits relatively smooth speed changes overall. Therefore, the tractor power shift transmission (PST) reversing clutch virtual test model operates effectively within the HLA-based tractor virtual test system.

Agricultural Mechanization Level and Projection Estimation of Soil Tillage Equipment’s, Drills -Fertilizer Distributors of TR22 Region

In this study, the change in agricultural mechanization level of Balıkesir and Çanakkale provinces (TR22 Region) for the last 10 years (2013-2022) was determined, and the projection estimation of soil tillage equipment, drills and fertilizer distributors was determined. The material of the study consisted of tillage equipment, drills-fertilizing machines, two-axle tractors, and total cultivated area data obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). For Balıkesir and Çanakkale provinces, the level of agricultural mechanization tended to increase according to the measured parameters between the years 2013-2022, and increases were observed in the number of soil tillage equipment and drills-fertilizer distributors. According to the projection coefficient values, tractor power values are generally projected to increase between 2023-2032 in Balıkesir and Çanakkale provinces. While the number of tractors increased in both provinces, the tractor power per unit cultivated area (kW ha-1) and the number of tractors per 1000 hectares (tractor 1000 ha-1) increased over the years, while the cultivated area per unit tractor (ha tractor-1) also decreased in value. These findings show that there is an improvement in agricultural mechanization level in Balıkesir and Çanakkale provinces.

Modelling Specific Energy Requirement for a Power-Operated Vertical Axis Rotor Type Intra-Row Weeding Tool Using Artificial Neural Network

Specific energy prediction is critically important to enhance field performance of agricultural implements. It enables optimal utilization of tractor power, reduced inefficiencies, and identification of comprehensive inputs for designing energy-efficient implements. In this study, A 3-5-1 artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to estimate specific energy requirement of a vertical axis rotor type intra-row weeding tool. The depth of operation in soil bed, soil cone index, and forward/implement speed ratio (u/v) were selected as the input variables. Soil bin investigations were conducted using the vertical axis rotor (RVA), interfaced with draft, torque, speed sensors, and data acquisition system to record dynamic forces employed during soil–tool interaction at ranges of different operating parameters. The depth of operation (DO) had the maximum influence on the specific energy requirement of the RVA, followed by the cone index (CI) and the u/v ratio. The developed ANN model was able to predict the specific energy requirements of RVA at high accuracies as indicated by high R2 (0.91), low RMSE (0.0197) and low MAE (0.0479). Findings highlight the potential of the ANN as an efficient technique for modeling soil–tool interactions under specific experimental conditions. Such estimations will eventually optimize and enhance the performance efficiency of agricultural implements in the field.

Power performance of a tractor-seeder-fertilizer system as a function of furrower depth in no-till

The negative effect of the traffic of machinery and agricultural implements associated with little soil disturbance promotes an increase in the density and resistance of the soil to penetration. An alternative to minimize the degree of soil compaction is to increase its mobilization in the seeding row utilizing the depth of action of the shank. The effect of plowing depth on the performance and energy requirement of a tractor-seeder-fertilizer combination was analyzed using a completely randomized design. The agricultural soil was an Oxisol with a clayey texture, submitted to soybean and corn cultivation in a no-till crop succession system. Using a shank at a greater cutting depth causes an increase in tractive effort, power demand, fuel consumption and slip, and reduces tractive efficiency.