Tractor Power Research Articles

Torque and power demand of agricultural equipment activated by power take-off

The agricultural tractor is the main mobile energy source in rural companies, with power take-off being one of the most important uses of the energy produced by the engine. This study evaluates the torque and power demand required to activate active parts of agricultural equipment through tractor power take-off in different working condi­tions. For this, a boom sprayer, an atomizer, a rotary hoe, and a rotary ditcher were used. The experimental de­sign for the sprayers was completely randomized, with working pressures of 150, 240, and 310 kPa for the boom sprayer and flow rates of 11.5, 13.0, and 22.0 L min h -1 for the atomizer. The randomized block experimental design, in a bi-factorial design (3 x 2), was used for the rotary hoe and rotary ditcher, with three speeds (2.10; 2.60 and 3.10 km h -1 ) and two soil conditions for the rotary hoe (one harrowing and two harrowings) and two working depths for the rotary ditcher (0.10 m and 0.20 m). Torque and power values were obtained using a torque indicator installed between the power take-off and the universal joint shaft, which links the tractor to the equip­ment. From the data obtained, it was concluded that the boom sprayer demanded the highest torque and power at the highest working pressure. The rotary ditcher increased torque and power demand as speed and working depth increased.

Effects of degree of oil palm frond mulching using tractor mounted mulcher blades

This study investigates the influence of blade lifting angles, tractor forward speed, and tractor power take off (PTO) speed on the degree of mulching. Four blades with different lifting angles, two tractor PTO speeds, and three tractor forward speeds were assessed using the parametric test at the Universiti Putra Malaysia oil palm plantation. The result shows that the best-fit regression equation was a quadratic regression with a high coefficient of determination. It indicates that any change in this three-factor interaction has a significant effect using Tukey’s Studentized mean comparison and can predict the degree of mulching. Seventy-four percent of the degree of mulching variance is explained by blade lifting angles, tractor forward speed, and tractor PTO speed. Since the blade lifting angle was a major predictor of the degree of mulching, this result implies that any change in the blade lifting angle can provide a significant prediction of the degree of mulching in an oil palm plantation. Additionally, the predicted model can further be used to predict the degree of mulching during field operations, replanting, and access for mulching of oil palm fronds. A detailed field evaluation of the performance of a tractor-mounted mulcher with different blade lifting angles in other parts of Malaysia is highly recommended to cater for the differences in soil moisture content and bulk density.

Modular-Technological Scheme for Tractors of Traction Classes 1.4

The increase in power of modern energy-saturated wheel tractors does not allow us to realize all the power through traction, causing an increase in fuel consumption. Therefore, the search for ways to improve tractors of the new traction and energy concept is a vital task.To solve the problem of implementing the power reserve of energy-saturated tractors, a modular scheme for completing a machine-tractor unit (MTU) based on wheeled tractors of traction classes 1.4 was considered. To increase the technological universality of tractors of traction classes 1.4, a tractor configuration scheme with a technological module based on an easily connectable and detachable linkage design is considered. This allows us to aggregate the tractor both independently with any implement for tractors of classes 1.4 and with a process module with implements for tractors of classes 2-3.As a result of the studies, a modular layout scheme for the MTU based on a tractor of traction classes 1.4 in combination with a technological module was proposed. The technological module is a single-axle drive trolley-hitch made on the basis of an articulated steering frame equipped with drive wheels. MTU formed after a modular scheme based on a wheeled tractor allows us to use the coupling weight of not only the tractor, but also the technological module with an agricultural implement mounted on it. The weight of the technological module is selected in such a way as to ensure the transition of the tractor to the adjacent traction class according to the type applicable in our country.Based on the undertaken studies, a reduction in losses to overcome resistance and slipping of propulsors, an increase in the MTU productivity and a more complete use of the tractor engine power were obtained.

СИСТЕМНЫЙ ПОДХОД К СРАВНИТЕЛЬНОМУ АНАЛИЗУ ПЛУГОВ ДЛЯ ОБРАБОТКИ ПОЧВ ПРИ ЛЕСОВОССТАНОВЛЕНИИ

In the work, the methods of system analysis have used for comparising several alternatives of existing plows in order to substantiate the optimal choice of a method for their modification. The analysis takes into account the discovered during soil cultivation in clear-cut areas fact, that share plows cultivate the soil well, but are not able to work in forest soils saturated with roots, or they require significant tractive power, which is not always advisable. Therefore, disc plows with good maneuverability and mobility are often used in clearings, however, the quality of surface processing is not ideal. Changes of existing implements design are required. The systematic approach allows us to justify the feasibility of implementation a new design solution taking into account several factors: expansion of design solutions, reduction of time for a working operation and features of using in the conditions of the Russian Federation. Studies have shown that a plow with forced working bodies possesses optimal characteristics, which, when processing soils in clearings, additionally loosens.

Development of a front plow with active and passive working bodies

The existing plows of smooth, furless plowing do not ensure efficient use of the power of energy-rich arable tractors, high-quality soil preparation for sowing and an increase in the productivity of the unit. The aim of the study is to substantiate the parameters of the active working body of the combined frontal plow, which ensures the efficient use of the power of energy-saturated arable tractors, high-quality soil preparation for sowing and an increase in the productivity of the unit. A constructive scheme of a combined frontal plow with active working bodies has been developed. Analytical dependencies are obtained that describe the process of interaction of an active working body with the soil and, on their basis, rational parameters of an active working body are determined. In the research, the laws and rules of theoretical mechanics, mathematical statistics, mathematical planning of experiments and methods of strain gauge were applied. It was found that when the active working body of the combined plow is in the form of an active cutter, its diameter is 572 mm, the number of knives is 5 pieces, the length of the knives is 16 cm and the sharpening angle is 20°, the required quality of plowing is ensured with the least energy consumption. In this case, the longitudinal distance from the nose of the body share to the shaft of the active working body of the combined frontal plow should be 3 cm, the indicator of the kinematic operating mode of the active working body – 2.19 the transverse distance between adjacent working bodies along the shaft of the active working body -26 cm.

Sistem upravljanja usevom - mašine za terenske operacije i usvojene tehnike planiranja za proizvodnju šećerne trske

Major objectives of farm mechanization are to maximize production at minimum risks and optimum cost of equipment usage by good management planning and operation of machines to carry out sequence crop production operations for the whole farming system. Hence this study was needed at Sunti Golden Sugar Company, Nigeria to determine cost of equipment use and select appropriate tractor power and machinery for the crop cultivation, crop establishment, weed control, cane harvesting and transporting to the store for post-harvest processing for future target of 4,770 ha of sugar cane farm. Based on agricultural farm size, field operational planning factors like soil, weather/environmental conditions, each implement matched with appropriate tractor size was calculated. Costs of equipment use, ownership and operational costs for implements and tractors were also calculated. A well-drawn cropping field operations calendar was very important for crop and operational sequencing was recommended and was put in-place since the operations overlaps with multi-periods. As part of the recommendation, during the planned equipment downtime, major repairs and maintenance were to be carried out before critical field operation's period to improve pre-field and in-field efficiency for effective equipment and field operational planning and management. Determined are the values of each implement field capacity within allotted time available, actual number of implement/tractor power required, fuel and oil consumption per unit time for the sugar cane cultivation, harvesting and transporting operations at the sugar cane farm. Also appropriate earth-moving and earthwork equipment for road, irrigation and drainage structural works were also selected.

Transmission systems in agricultural tractors marketed in Brazil

ABSTRACT: In a tractor, the transmission system transmits the power generated in the engine to the driving wheels, hydraulic systems, and power take-off (PTO). There are several types of transmission systems available in the Brazilian market ranging from the simplest to the most advanced. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the different types of transmission systems present in 228 models of agricultural tractors produced and marketed in Brazil during 2019. The tractor models were grouped based on the engine power and the transmission systems were classified as sliding, partially synchronized, synchronized, semi powershift, full powershift, and continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to this classification, it was found that most tractors belonged to Class III (51.5-73.5 kW) with 66 models in total. However, even with continuous modernization in this field and with tractors becoming increasingly independent from the operator, 66% of transmission systems are still mechanical. However, CVT systems, which are available only in tractors with an engine power above 117.7 kW, are expected to be equipped on less powerful tractors in the coming decades.

Justification of the requirements for an environmentally safety mobile power unit of class 1.4-2.0

The systematic analysis of world trends in the development of production and sale of agricultural tractors has shown that advertising and exhibition trends of overstating the power and saturation of tractors with automation elements for Russia are technologically outdated. It is proposed to consider increasing energy efficiency and ensuring their environmental safety in the full life cycle as the main indicators of the competitiveness of agricultural tractors in the world market.

Digital analogue of an agricultural tractor

Today the trend in the digitalisation of all economic spheres is particularly noticeable. Agriculture is no exception here. According to forecasts, the agribusiness transition to Industry-4.0 will increase the yield by 10 %. One of the digital design and modeling technologies is the use of digital analogues of objects or processes. This technology can be applied to an agricultural tractor or other power device. Using this approach will allow you to plan the annual load of machines, taking into account their maintenance condition, efficiency of use, etc. Also such a system will allow to choose the optimal operating modes of agricultural machinery, which in turn will increase its capacity, yield and reduce losses.

Теоретический анализ процесса брикетирования измельченных древесных материалов в условиях лесного терминала

Very long distances of export of harvested wood in Siberia and the Far East increasingly pose the problem of optimizing the operation of forest transport, including the coefficient of full-weight load of exported timber. The problem can be solved by the use of the technology of forest terminals (non-permanent forest warehouses), which are created at a small distance from developed forest areas, equipped with mobile woodworking equipment driven by the tractor power take-off shaft. Timber terminals mainly produce semi-finished products, such as timber which is then transported to sawmills and cut into high-quality lumber. The wood waste produced at the forest terminal can be used to produce compressed biofuel, for example, fuel briquettes which can then be used for the energy supply for the forest terminal itself. A mathematical model for analyzing the operation of briquetting crushed wood materials at forest terminals is presented. Keywords: forest terminal, wood waste, briquetting, mathematical model.

Vibrating Dual Bent-Share Cultivator

In this research, the suitability of a vibrating dual bent share cultivator was studied. Therefore, an eccentric pin slider mechanism was designed to vibrate the 2 shanks laterally, employing a tractor power takeoff. this study investigates the sector performance of the vibrating dual bent share cultivator with three different vibration frequencies (0, 0.88, and a couple of Hz) during a clay loam soil at two working depths (100 and 200 mm) and having a water content of a 0.7 or 0.9 plastic limit. rock bottom values of the draught, specific draught, and MWD were recorded at a vibration frequency of two Hz and a working depth of 100 mm. The draught force, specific draught, and MWD of the non-vibration implement were reduced by employing a vibration frequency of two Hz. The coefficient of determination and F values proved that the vibration frequency was simpler than the soil water content and therefore the working depth on the draught, specific draught, and MWD. Although a dual bent share cultivator needs low energy compared with a mould board plough, the vibration of the twin bent share cultivator could also be recommended as an efficient energy demanding implement within the soil manipulation process.

Optimization of the kinematic mode of operation of the tractor-driven tillage tool

A traction-driven tillage tool with low traction resistance has been developed. A decrease in the tractive resistance of the implement is achieved by transferring the main share of the power consumed by the implement to the process of loosening the soil through the tractor power take-off shaft (PTO) to the drive needle discs, which in turn create a pushing force. The efficiency of the technological process of soil cultivation depends on the kinematic mode of operation of each row of disk working bodies of the tractiondrive tillage implements. To optimize their kinematic mode of operation, a multifactorial experiment was carried out, which made it possible to establish the optimal values of such factors as the kinematic parameters of the 1st and 2nd rows of needle disks at the set operating speed of the unit.

Reduction of Torsional Vibration in Resonance Phenomena for Tractor Power Take-Off Drivelines Using Torsional Damper

HighlightsRattling of tractor power take-off drivelines can be detrimental to operators.A novel driveline model, which includes a torsional damper, was constructed.The behavior of the model was validated against that of an actual tractor driveline.The validated model was used to determine the optimal torsional damper parameters.These optimal parameters were validated by laboratory tests.Abstract. Rattle noise and high levels of vibration in agricultural tractors lower the productivity of the operators and may cause serious health issues in them. This study examined a method for preventing resonance and reducing the torsional vibration that causes rattling in tractor power take-off (PTO) drivelines in the idle state using a two-stage torsional damper. The PTO driveline was simplified to a 6-DOF model based on the principle of equivalent mass moment of inertia using commercial simulation software. The variations in the angular velocity of the PTO drive shaft in an actual tractor were measured and compared to the simulation results using a single-stage torsional damper to validate the model. Using this validated PTO driveline model, the pre spring of a two-stage torsional damper was investigated to determine its optimal torsional stiffness to minimize torsional vibration. The simulation results showed that the variations in the angular velocity of the PTO drive shaft decreased as the torsional stiffness of the pre spring decreased; accordingly, an appropriate torsional stiffness reduced the variation in the angular velocity delivered to the PTO drive shaft. The optimal torsional stiffness of the pre spring was determined by considering the manufacturing limitations of the torsional damper and the magnitude of the input engine torque. A pre spring with this optimal torsional stiffness was installed on an actual PTO driveline to measure the angular velocity transmissibility, which was the ratio of the variation in the angular velocity of the engine flywheel to the variation in the angular velocity of the PTO drive shaft, and the results were compared with those of the simulation. When the angular velocity of the engine was 850 rpm, the angular velocity transmissibility of the PTO drive shaft was 0.4 in the actual test, similar to the value of 0.29 obtained using the simulation. Thus, the simulation-optimized pre spring was able to avoid the resonance domain, while considerably reducing the torsional vibration that leads to rattling. The results of this study support the safe operation of agricultural tractors and guide the evaluation of torsional damper configurations of different vehicles. Keywords: PTO driveline, Resonance, Simulation model, Torsional damper, Torsional vibration, Tractor rattle.

Review of electro-hydraulic hitch system control method of automated tractors

The automatic and intelligent degree of tractor hitch system determines the operations quality, efficiency, tractor power output and energy consumption, and automatic control of electro-hydraulic hitch is one of the key technical problems in the realization of automated tractor. In this study, the adjustment methods and characteristics of electro-hydraulic hitch system were summarized. The development of electro-hydraulic hitch control technologies was elaborated and analyzed from both the electro-hydraulic control strategy and slip control strategy perspectives. The implementation methods and control characteristics were discussed. A new idea for the development of automated tractor was put forward that integrating cutting-edge technologies such as big data, fusion control and artificial intelligence. In addition, based on the precise and efficient control of electro-hydraulic hitch system, a high reliability of the control system of the tractor with intelligent application of the control algorithm was obtained. The results can provide a reference for the precise operation of automated tractors under the big data in agriculture. Keywords: automated tractors, electro-hydraulic hitch, control algorithm, draft-position control, slip rate control DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211403.6175 Citation: Wang L, Wang Y, Dai D, Wang X, Wang S M. Review of electro-hydraulic hitch system control method of automated tractors. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(3): 1–11.

Double-Clutch Power Shift Quality Optimization Based on Optimal Control Theory

Highlights A power shift control strategy based on torque and speed transition, which aims to deliver multiple target and multiparameter optimization of power shift control, is proposed in this study. It can effectively solve the shift power cycle. Based on minimum optimal control theory, the optimal control of shift quality during power shifting optimizes clutch terminal oil pressure, which is determined by solving the Rebecca differential matrix equation and shift characteristics based on various stages. By aiming at the multiple target and multiparameter optimization problem of the clutch control in the power shift process, the minimum optimal control principle is applied to the shift quality optimization of the power shift. Based on the minimum optimal control theory, the optimal solution of the terminal oil pressure of the clutch is determined by solving the Rebecca differential matrix equation to improve the shift quality of the power shift process. Abstract . The dual clutch of the combined transmission of a tractor with large horsepower uses a dynamic shifting process, in which only one clutch undergoes slipping friction during the shift. A power shift control strategy based on torque and speed transition, which aims to deliver multiple target and multiparameter optimization of power shift control, is proposed in this study. Based on minimum optimal control theory, the optimal control of shift quality during power shifting optimizes clutch terminal oil pressure, which is determined by solving the Rebecca differential matrix equation and shift characteristics based on various stages. In addition, the power shift simulation model of the double clutch is established. Simulation results show that the power shift control strategy based on single slip friction can effectively avoid power flow cycle, uninterruptible tractor power shift, and adaptive resistance change. The minimum optimization theory can effectively reduce the output torque fluctuation in the dynamic shift process, reduce friction work, and improve the shift impact. Keywords: Double clutch, Heavy-horsepower tractor, Minimum theory, Power shift.

Numerical simulation of dynamic processes in transmission of vehicle

The article considers the issues of digital modeling of dynamic processes in the transmissions of transport vehicles. The purpose of this research was to develop an algorithm for numerical mathematical modeling of dynamic processes in the transmissions of transport vehicles using modern digital software packages. The method includes a systematic approach to the study of dynamic processes during switching, based on modeling the operation of the gearbox together with the internal combustion engine (taking into account its dynamic, speed and load characteristics). The order of application of the MATLab - Simulink, Simscape software packages for numerical simulation of dynamic processes is considered. Using the fundamental blocks of these applications, models of physical components are created: the internal combustion engine, friction clutches, gearboxes, elastic shafts, damping devices, and tractor power transmission control systems. A digital model of the tractor transmission is created, its design scheme is given, and the initial characteristics are set. It was used to simulate dynamic processes in the tractor gearbox. The main attention in this paper is paid to the application of the proposed method for calculating the dynamic processes in the gearbox during gear changes under load with forward and reverse switching, including the simultaneous use of several friction clutches.

Tractor Tractive Performance Modelling During Ploughing Operation on a Tropical <i>Alfisol</i>: An R Software Packages Approach

Modern agriculture relies heavily on tractor applications for various operations. Field performance output from this vital machinery influences the overall production process and system efficiency. Tractor tractive performance modelling involves complex analyzes using terramechanics techniques. This study investigated the application of R software packages to model tractor tractive performance during ploughing operations on a tropical alfisol. The research farm at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) 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 which were statistically analyzed using the R software package. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the measured parameters at 5% significance level were established. Multiple linear regression was used to develop the model which was validated using the 10-fold cross-validation method. The results obtained show a positive correlation of the measured variables with towing force except for the shear stress and cone index. Input factors and their interactions have a significant effect on tractive performance except for T*S, I*S, P*T*I, P*T*S, and T*I*S. The final developed model has seven variables for predicting towing force with a 6.5 percentage error and an average of 0.4735 cross validation root mean square error. The model quality of fit achieved an R2Adj = 0.8754 which satisfactorily described the response variable.

Results of experimental studies of a tractor equipped with an elastic-damping mechanism when aggregated with a seeder

One of the significant factors influencing the operation of the tractor is the unsteady load that occurs when starting off, during the initial period of acceleration and deceleration. The elastic-damping mechanisms are used to reduce the negative consequences of such loads. Scientists still develop and study their application.
 In this article, the analysis of the cross correlation function and the analysis of the mutual spectral density of two processes were carried out. The analyzed processes were the engine crankshaft speed and the drive wheel speed. This analysis shows the change in the speed of the passing load frequencies along the shaft line of the traction class 1,4 wheeled tractor power transmission, where an elastic-damping mechanism is installed. The studies were carried out for the operating conditions of a tractor with a seeder. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the elastic-damping mechanism installed in the power transmission of a tractor on its operation with a trailed seeder.
 In the general case, the object of research is the functioning of a tractor of traction class 1,4 process, which is located in a unit with a seeder. Analysis of the mutual correlation function of the two processes showed a change in the speed of the passing load frequencies along the shaft line. The ratio of the propagation time of the disturbance signal in the experimental tractor in relation to the production version along the shaft line when aggregating the tractor with the seeder decreases by 40,1 %. The analysis of the mutual spectral density shows a shift in the frequency of disturbing influences in relation to the serial version and a decrease in their value when the tractor is aggregated with a seeder by 33,3 %. The value of the mutual spectral density is lower in the experimental version of the tractor, which may mean that the elastic-damping mechanism, as an element of the power transmission, absorbs part of the load fluctuations and reduces their propagation speed along the shaft line.

Restoration resource of working bodies of soil treatment machines by applying wear-resistant coatings

Intensive soil compaction, which is caused by the use of modern powerful tractors with high weight and the presence of higher working speeds, and as a result reduces the service life of tillage equipment. Difficult weather conditions cause an increase in the load on the working bodies of tillage machines, with the wear of the surfaces of the working bodies of agricultural units. The article considers the problem of increasing the resource of the working bodies of tillage machines due to the application of wear-resistant coatings. The types of wear and the influence of abrasive materials on the working bodies of tillage machines are analyzed. Determined optimal materials and methods to increase the wear resistance of the working bodies of tillage machines. Features of formation of a metallization covering which is reflected in its structure and character of defects which can differ in the sizes, density, morphology and orientation are considered. The dependence of the properties of coatings on the material doping system is substantiated. Equipment and materials for coating are given. Taking into account the received information, conclusions are made and the analysis of technology of drawing wear-resistant coverings for increase of a resource of working bodies of tillage machines is carried out.

Turkey and Japan Agricultural and Mechanization Status Comparison

Objective: This study is a pilot study in terms of new connections and technology transfers that can be created between Japan and Turkey, aimed to provide recommendations by comparing Japanese and Turkish agriculture. Material and Methods: Agriculture and agricultural data were collected, calculated, and analyzed from statistical and written sources. Comparable data were taken and compared.Results: Japan's total agricultural area is approximately 12% of Turkey. Mechanical power supply tractors, one of the main power sources used in agriculture, are found in almost the same number in both countries. However, the soil structure, the product produced and the size of the land in the country affect the choice of tractor. Therefore, while in Japan the average tractor power is between 18 to 30 kW, 44 to 52 kW in Turkey. In both countries, each agricultural business has at least 1 tractor. The number of tractors used in the cultivation of 1000 hectares gives us information to make a comparison about the small scale of the agricultural land used. 1000 hectares of land in Japan when processing 310 tractors, this situation is 55 tractors in Turkey. While the average age of farmers in Japan 67, the average is 55 in Turkey. Conclusion: The population dealing with agriculture should be rejuvenated and the machines used should be made more technological. More effective production can be made with sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. In this way, both the reduction of input costs and the labor force, and the sustainability of agriculture with projects can be aimed at young people are ensured.