Tractor Cabin Research Articles

Multi-Body Model of Agricultural Tractor for Vibration Transmission Investigation

This article analyses vibration transmission on agricultural tractors with the excitation from the road to the driver’s seat. A multi-body model of agricultural tractors created in Adams is presented. The main parts for the investigation of vibration transmission are the tractor body, where the only suspension elements are tyres, the tractor cabin, spring-dampers suspended at the rear and bushings at the front, and the driver seat with its pneumatic spring. A series of measurements were performed, and the model was validated using vertical acceleration values on the tractor body at four different locations. The FTire model (physical FEM-based model) was chosen to describe the behaviour of tyres. The model was created using measured tyre characteristics. Measured characteristics of spring-dampers and front cabin bushings were also implemented. For comfort investigation, ride simulations on ISO 5008 rough roads were performed. The transmission of vibrations in ride simulations was examined. A modal analysis of the linearised model was performed to confirm assumptions of the contribution of suspension elements to overall vibration levels. Finally, three case studies were conducted to better understand the model’s vibration transmission properties.

Dynamic characteristics of a tractor cabin during plow tillage and rotary tillage

Dynamic characteristics of a tractor cabin during plow tillage and rotary tillage

Automated combined unit with universal tillage adapter

The paper shows that using an automated combined unit with a universal tillage adapter for surface tillage represents a relevant and promising direction in the development of agricultural machinery. (Research purpose) The study aims to develop an automated combined unit equipped with a universal adapter designed to improve soil quality and increase the stability of the unit’s movement. (Materials and methods) The tillage adapter consists of two arc-shaped segments mounted at the front on a common axis that allows rotation. The rear sections contain a mini-hydraulic cylinder, which is remotely connected to the wireless actuator of the unit’s hydraulic system. The arcuate segments are equipped with replaceable cutting attachments and measure 25 centimeters in length. Mounted on a common axis with these segments, a holder is installed at the top at an angle of 40-45 degrees to the horizontal plane, while a saber-shaped slotter is positioned at the bottom at an angle of 15-20 degrees. (Results and discussion) It was discovered that the developed unit, equipped with an innovative adapter, facilitates three simultaneous operations: cutting the soil in a horizontal plane, loosening the soil, and eliminating weeds. Additionally, the working width of the device can be automated adjusted from the tractor cabin. The design of the unit improves tillage quality, increases movement stability, protects segments from wear and reduces manufacturing costs. (Conclusions) The proposed combined soil tillage unit provides crumbling, leveling, rolling and slicing of soil, and improves soil infi ltration. The location of the holder and slotting device with an inclination to the horizontal plane of 40-45 and 15-20 degrees, respectively, reduces the traction resistance of the unit and reduces energy costs.

Optimization of Cabin Mounting System for Tractor using a Genetic Algorithm

Abstract Purpose To analyze the behavior of a tractor cabin mounting system, a six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulation model was developed, and a genetic algorithm was integrated into the model to optimize the design variables of the cabin mounting system. The performance and characteristics of the optimized cabin-mounting system were analyzed. Methods Eigenvalue analysis was performed using the developed model. Rigid-body mode decoupling theory was applied to optimize the design variables, and the energy decoupling method (EDM) was used to evaluate the degree of rigid-body mode decoupling. The design variables were optimized using NSGA-II genetic algorithm. Optimizations for two cases (Case #1: optimizing the stiffness and position of the mounts; Case#2: optimizing only the stiffness of the mounts) were conducted. Results energy decoupling rate (EDR) for Case #1 increased from 66.73% to 87.65%. As the position constraints relaxed, the mounts tended to move upwards and were widely distributed widely. EDR for Case #2 increased from 66.73% to 84.41%. In both cases, the mount stiffness decreased. Conclusions The EDR of the cabin mounting system was significantly improved due to optimization, and the rigid body mode frequencies were optimized within the target range.

Experiments and CFD simulation of an air-conditioned tractor cabin for thermal comfort of tractor operators in Pakistan

Tractors are manufactured without air-conditioned cabins in Pakistan. This leads to thermal discomfort for tractor operators working under direct solar exposure. Therefore, this study aimed to design and install an air-conditioned cabin on a tractor. Experiments were undertaken to evaluate the installed cabin performance under two scenarios i.e., conventional (S–I) and enhanced (S-II) air distribution. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to analyze airflow and calculate thermal comfort indices. The results showed that the air-conditioned cabin attained optimum thermal conditions under the enhanced air distribution scenario (S-II). In this scenario, the inside cabin temperature was an average of 27.4 °C, compared with 30.4 °C in S–I. The relative humidity remained similar in both scenarios, around 53 %. The temperature difference between the cabin and the ambient environment was 11.09 °C in S-II, aligning with the thermal comfort conditions outlined in ISO 14269–2. Furthermore, the CFD simulations showed a predicted mean vote (PMV) index of 0.61 and the percentage people dissatisfied (PPD) index of 26.5 %. These results also confirm the provision of optimum thermal conditions for operator inside the cabin. The simulations also demonstrated good agreement with experimental data, with a small difference in air temperature (2 °C) and relative humidity (5.8 %). In the light of these findings, this study recommends installation of air-conditioned cabin on tractors with enhanced air distribution (S-II) in Pakistan to improve thermal comfort of operators.

Definition of parameters of loading modes of the test bench for tractor cabin’s vibration isolators

BACKGROUND: During the operation, tractor cabin’s vibration isolators are under the simultaneous load vertical, longitudinal- and lateral-angular vibrations of the cabin. These vibrations have different amplitudes, frequencies and time-domain behavior. It is possible to simulate comprehensive operational loads on vibration isolators only with bench testing. AIMS: Within this study, the trial to define parameters of loading modes for bench testing of tractor cabin’s vibrational isolators and to define corresponding parameters of drives of the bench loading devices was made. METHODS: This paper presents explanation and the results of calculation of loading modes parameters for testing of tractor cabin’s vibration isolator at the bench capable of producing loads from vertical, longitudinal- and lateral-angular vibrations of a tractor cabin simultaneously, as well as the results of calculation of corresponding parameters of drives of this bench. The procedure of preparation for testing was developed. This procedure includes estimation of values of operational loads amplitudes and frequencies, the range of change of necessary velocities and torques of electric drives of the bench loading devices and identification of adequate drives with required properties, determination of behavior of force and kinematic excitation reproduced by the test bench. Exemplary calculation of parameters of vertical loading at the considered bench was performed for the AKSS-400M rubber-metal vibration isolator used in cabin suspension of the K-708.4 wheeled tractor. A number of assumptions were made in the calculation. Nominal values of velocity and torque of the electric motor drive of the vertical loading device of the bench were obtained as the results. Thus, the electric motor with the reduction gear made by TRANSTECNO was selected. Characteristics of force and kinematic excitations reproduced by the bench using electric motor frequency control were built. RESULTS: Analysis of graphs helped to define acceptable range of frequencies reproduced by the bench for operational loads in vertical direction limited by abilities of the selected electric drive. CONCLUSIONS: The results of calculation of electric drive parameters can be used in design of the considered bench for testing of tractor cabin’s vibration isolators, particularly in the development of loading devices (cam eccentrics, pushers, return springs).

The Effectiveness of Least Mean Squared-Based Adaptive Algorithms for Active Noise Control System in a Small Confined Space

Active noise control (ANC) is a technique applied to eliminate an unwanted sound by superposing a signal of equal amplitude and opposite phase, sometimes defined as an anti-noise signal, computed through an adaptive algorithm. The study described herein aims to evaluate and compare the performance of some of the most popular algorithms based on the least mean squares (LMS) approach applied to a multichannel active noise control system in a small, enclosed space. The comparison is conducted through an experimental evaluation of the ANC algorithms’ performance, carried out on a tractor cabin in a hemi-anechoic chamber, generating the unwanted sound field using a dodecahedron sound source placed outside the enclosure, emitting narrowband and broadband signals. The experimental analysis and the comparison with the results obtained in a free field condition have made it possible to show certain practical limitations when implementing the algorithms. The results show that the feed-forward systems allow for greater stability, avoiding the acoustic feedback from the control loudspeakers to the reference microphone when this is outside the cabin, while the feedback system is the slowest configuration to converge, requiring an internal modeling of the reference signal. With random signals, the feed-forward systems concentrate their performance in the range above 500 Hz, while the feedback system becomes ineffective.

Distribution of benzene and formaldehyde in tractor cabin: Effects of components, ventilation conditions, and vent positions

Tractor cabin is a relatively closed microenvironment in which operator is exposed to various pollutants that can adversely affect human health. In this study, the distribution of benzene and formaldehyde inside tractor cabin was investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and verifying its effectiveness with field measurements. The effects of pollution source, ventilation, and vent position on the distribution of pollutants were discussed by using the validated CFD model. The results indicated that the areas with high concentration of pollutants are mostly distributed in the corners, and the ceiling contributes the most to its emission. The concentration difference of benzene and formaldehyde in the driver’s breathing area can reach a maximum of 20% by adjusting the air supply angle. It can also be reduced by 3.9% and 4.3% for every 1 m s−1 increase in air supply speed when the airflow angle emitted from the vent was 90°. In the common vent locations, the vent arranged on the front ceiling has the best pollutant reduction effect. This study provided a reliable CFD simulation method for benzene and formaldehyde distribution, offered a theoretical basis for the selection of ventilation conditions and the design of internal layout in tractor cabins for improving air quality. It also suggested that then environment and air quality of non-road mobile machinery cabs should be paid more attention in the future.

Control of sowing seeds of row crops with electrified seeders

The research was conducted to determine the qualitative and energy performance indicators of a precision seeder with electric drives for working tools, equipped with a seed distribution control system that allows remote control of the seeding unit. The experiments used seeders MC-8 with drive through a gearbox from a 180W DC motor FL57BLS04 and seeders ТС-М-4150А with a seed distribution apparatus produced by «MaterMass» and driven through a gearbox and chain drives from a 220W brushless motor FL86BLS. The pulse power supply SDR-960-48 was used to power the seed distribution apparatus motors. The quality of operation of the seed distribution apparatus when using seeds of various row crops was determined by the method of recording the time intervals between seed ejections from the distribution disk using a seed sensor installed in the furrow opener. When changing the rotation speed of the seeder's distribution disk from 20 to 60 rpm, the coe cient of variation of seed ejections varied from 0.15 to 0.35, and the power consumption ranged from 30 to 110W. The power consumption for the fan drive did not exceed 2.5 kW, and the total power consumption of the electric motors for driving all the seed distribution apparatuses and the fan was 4.0 kW. For the ТС-М-4150А seeder, the power consumption for driving the seed distribution apparatuses is slightly higher and amounts to at least 3.0 kW in operating modes. A control and management system for seeding with a domestic electri ed seeder based on the Arduino Uno board was proposed. Its program includes two subprograms that take into account the speed of movement of the seeding unit, based on which the rotation speed of the distribution disk and the number of skips and duplicates are determined. The use of electri ed drives and seed distribution control systems in precision seeders allows for stepless adjustment of the seed sowing rate and control of the sowing process from the tractor cabin.

Results of theoretical and experimental data of tractor cabin carcass

In the article results of the comparative analysis of the elastic-plastic calculation of a protective skeleton of a cabin of a tractor based on a method of final elements with the experimental research spent on the cabin of the tractor of class 1.4.are resulted. The carried out research has shown good adequacy of the received theoretical results (the maximum deviation does not exceed 12 %, and an average deviation of 8 %), and the offered technique of elastic-plastic calculation can be applied by working out new designs of a skeleton of cabins of tractors.

Analysis of Field View from Tractor and Trailer Units Using the Method of Terrestrial Laser Scanning

Having a proper view from the cabin of agricultural and forest machines is one of the main factors affecting work safety and efficiency. In forestry, machine operators very often perform working activities also in the rear of the cabin. Requirements, criteria and test procedures for the field of view from the tractor cabin are stipulated by the international technical standard ISO 5721. This study evaluates field view parameters from the cabin of the tractor (Valtra T 6300) and trailer (STS 12T) unit. In accordance with the test procedures, prescribed parameters were evaluated for the forward field of view; values for the rear field of view were determined in addition to outside the standard. In order to achieve more accurate measurements and faster evaluation of data, one of the latest methods—using laser pulse reflections (method of terrestrial laser scanning)—was employed. The results of our study demonstrate that even the construction of machines manufactured before the above-mentioned standard came to force can meet the current requirements, except for minor deviations.

Optimization of Cab Suspension Using Tractor-Ride Vibration Simulation Model

HighlightsThis study created a simulation model to predict the ride vibration of a tractor and to optimize its suspension.The parameters of the tractor were obtained from various tests to create a fully validated model.The acceleration measured in a tractor cabin was compared with the simulation model in the time and frequency domains.The ride vibration of a tractor was evaluated under various road conditions with a fully validated model. Abstract. A typical problem with tractors and other agricultural machinery is the excessive ride vibration, which results in an inconvenient working environment and poses a risk to the health of operators. In this study, a simulation model for predicting the ride vibration of a tractor and optimizing the cabin suspension was developed to address this limitation. First, the required parameters used computation tests to create the simulation model. Mode and frequency-response function analyses were then performed to validate the model for ride vibration, from which the natural frequency and mode shape were analyzed. Subsequently, the riding characteristics of an actual tractor on a stepped road surface were simulated using a four-post road simulator, and the acceleration measured in the cab was compared with that of the simulation model in the time and frequency domains. Finally, the parameters of the cabin suspension were optimized using the validated simulation model, and the correlation between the cabin suspension parameters and ride vibration was examined. Following optimization, the vibration value of the tractor cab was found to decrease as the damping coefficient of the cabin suspension decreased for all surface conditions selected in the simulation. Thus, the developed tractor simulation model can be used as a ride vibration simulation when developing the control logic of a tractor’s cabin suspension, as well as a plant model of hardware-in-the-loop simulation to verify the control logic. Keywords: Hydro-pneumatic suspension, Optimization, Ride vibration, Simulation model, Tractor cab, Validation.

A Study of Flow Analysis Within a Tractor Cabin with the Goal of Determining the Best Vent Location and Glazing

This study aims to improve the thermal comfort inside a tractor cabin by determining the position of the air conditioner vent location. This is obtained by maintaining the cold air flow inside the cabin by means of the air conditioning vents and proper HVAC systems. The concept of glazing on windows with different materials was also used to improve the thermal comfort of the tractor cabin by reducing the thermal conductivity. Variations in thermal comfort were tested by creating a 3D model of the tractor cabin with different vent locations as per the model of actual tractor cabin with vent locations as follows, dashboard and side pillars. To evaluate the thermal comfort, the anticipated mean vote (PMV) and expected percentage of unsatisfied were utilized, and the temperature, air velocity, and humidity for calculating PMV were simulated. The temperature and PMV measurement sites were chosen based on the SAE J1503 temperature measuring positions. Using suitable data, CFD simulations were performed on commercial simulation software (STAR-CCM+). Based on the result of the analysis, it was observed that maximum thermal comfort was obtained by placing the air conditioner vent on the dashboard which helped in cooling the tractor cabin in less time than the other vent locations. Considering the correct air conditioner vent location together with the spectral solar radiation effect, the average cabin temperature was, which waslower than other vent locations. When exposed to hot temperature conditions, a vehicle's structure can absorb a large quantity of heat. 50-70 percent of this heat passes through the glazing and boosts the internal cabin air temperature as well as the temperature of the interior trim surfaces. When driving away, the air conditioning system must be capable of quickly eliminating this heat, allowing the occupants to return to a comfortable state in a reasonable amount of time. (124). We achieved optimum comfort and a desirable temperature range, we improved working conditions of the operator in a tractor. By using different glazing material, we aim to study and improve operator’s thermal comfort. A 3D based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software will be used to analyze climate in the tractor vehicle cabin.

An Overview of Thermal Comfort for Operators in Tractor Cabin

An Overview of Thermal Comfort for Operators in Tractor Cabin

Experimental Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of Hydro-Pneumatic Semi-Active Suspensions for Agricultural Tractor Cabins

This study aims to establish a test method to obtain the dynamic characteristics of hydraulic-pneumatic semi-active suspensions used in tractor cabins. Because dynamic characteristics are utilized in simulation models for developing suspension control logic and must be secured to improve control performance, an accurate test method must be established. The dynamic characteristics of the suspension, i.e., the spring constant and damping coefficient, were obtained by changing the current and velocity conditions. An exciter was used as a test device to control the displacement and velocity of the hydraulic cylinder. In order to derive the spring constant of the suspension, a low-speed reciprocating motion test was performed to obtain the force-displacement diagram and to derive the damping coefficient; 48 tests were performed under 6 velocity conditions and 8 current conditions to obtain a force-velocity diagram for each result. The spring constant of the suspension was confirmed using the slope of the trend line in the force-displacement diagram obtained through the low-speed reciprocating motion test of the suspension. In addition, the damping coefficient was calculated using the force-velocity diagram obtained through the reciprocating motion test of the suspension under various current and velocity conditions.

Efficiency of an ANC system in the tractor cabin under controlled engine workload

The noise at the driver seat of an agricultural tractor is produced mostly by the engine. Its characteristic broadband noise spectrum varies considerably with engine workload. The passive noise control techniques adopted in tractor cabins, based on the application of sound-absorbing and sound-proofing materials, are effective against medium-high frequencies noise components. The residual noise in sound-proof cabins is characterized by tonal emissions with low frequency components (< 500 Hz) but regarded as responsible for various disorders and diseases following long-term exposure. In addition to the "A" weighting filter adopted to evaluate occupational exposure to noise, other approaches are reported in the scientific literature considered more appropriate to evaluate low frequency noise (LFN), as well as studies testifying the effectiveness of active noise control (ANC) technologies in the low frequency range. In this article, the performance of an ANC system is evaluated in its ability to reduce noise levels inside the soundproof cabin of an agricultural tractor. To test this system, spectro-phonometric measurements of the equivalent linear sound pressure level were conducted under controlled and repeatable engine workloads, obtained by connecting the tractor to a dynamometric brake, while simultaneously acquiring the related engine performance curves. Altogether, three different couples of loudspeakers were tested. Frequency analysis in one-third octave band showed that the ANC system was mainly effective against LFN components (below 120 Hz) with peaks of reduction up to 20 dB. Then, on the basis of indications from previous studies, the data of linear sound pressure levels were processed applying the "A", "B", and "C" weighting filters, to show the different emphasis given to the effects of the system. Eventually, a point-by-point composition of the equivalent levels of sound pressure was drawn over the whole range of the engine, to highlight the conditions in which the ANC system was more effective.

Agricultural Tractor Cabin Safety Analysis and Test Correlation

Tractors are important vehicles for agricultural fields and they are widely used. Even if they do not be in the traffic due to their intended use, safety of the driver is important if the tractor is rollover. In tractor, the impact energy is provided by cabin or protective profile structure during rollover. Safety test conditions have been established by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by determining the loads that may occur in case of rollover. According to the standard which developed by OECD, the effects of the energy to be generated during rollover or impact on the structure are examined by performing tests under the specified loads. In this study, static loading test of tractor cabins is simulated by finite element method according to the ISO 3471 standart. Tractor cabin finite element models have been prepared with HyperMesh and HyperCrash software. Nonlinear explicit analysis of the model was performed under the loads applied during the test. . The analysis were carried out using RADIOSS software, based on the operating principle of the load carrying mechanism in order to simulate the test loads. The finite element model is limited to the frame connection points and the deformations are examined for three loading conditions. According to the results which are obtained from the test, the finite element analysis of the designed cabin was also validated.

Flow analysis inside tractor cabin for determining air conditioner vent location

In this study, thermal comfort was simulated through flow analysis and the air conditioner vent location inside a tractor cabin was determined. The heating test of a tractor in an environmental chamber was performed to obtain temperature data at thermal equilibrium, and this result was used as the boundary condition for the simulation. The properties of the cold air input through the air conditioner vent were obtained through a cooling performance test. The inside of the tractor cabin was modeled, and a grid was created to perform the flow analysis. Predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied were used to evaluate thermal comfort, and the temperature, air velocity, and humidity for calculating PMV were simulated. The temperature and PMV measurement locations were based on the temperature measurement positions proposed in SAE J1503.The locations of the air conditioner vent selected as the simulation target were the ceiling, dashboard, and side column. These locations were selected based on the actual location of the air conditioner vent in the tractor cabin. The flow field with the lowest kinetic energy loss was formed when the air conditioner vent was positioned on the dashboard. In this case, the average temperature was 22.2 °C, which was 3 °C lower than that at other locations. In addition, the average PMV was 0.53, which was 1 lower than that at other locations. Based on the results of this analysis, it was found that the most comfortable environment of the tractor cabin was created when the air conditioner vent was located on the dashboard.This study is the first to evaluate the thermal comfort of agricultural tractors using simulation. The simulated temperature showed a deviation of 2 °C or less from the measured temperature. This confirms that the simulation model can ensure accuracy. These results show the possibility that simulation can be used for studying thermal comfort.

Application of solar maps to select a rational shape of the shading device for the tractor cabin

The article is devoted to the use of solar maps to determine the period of unwanted insolation and the amount of thermal radiation that penetrates into the tractor cabin throughout the entire working day. In addition, an optimal form of a sun-protection device has been proposed, which makes it possible to reduce the magnitude of the exposure dose of thermal radiation affecting the operator. Since solar radiation makes the main contribution to the heat balance of the cabins of mobile machines (tractors, combines, etc.), the results obtained can mainly be used in assessing the working conditions of operators and in calculating and choosing systems for normalizing the microclimate (ventilation and air conditioning).

Substantiation of Thin-Walled Structures Parameters Using Nonlinear Models and Method of Response Surface Analysis

The article deals with the development of approach for providing of structural strength of complicated thin-walled machine-building structures, which operate in the conditions of geometric and physical nonlinearities using design solution validation. The developed approach is based on the use of mathematical model for stress-strain state taking into account geometric and physical nonlinearities and methods of approximation for constructing functions describing the evaluated characteristics of the object under study. The various factors behind the search for design solutions (including characteristics of strength, rigidity, technological and economic factors), are being added into this function. The developed algorithm for rational parameters search, which takes into account the peculiarities of the response surface shape observed in solving applied problems, is applied to them. In this case, the solution is sought over the whole range of parameter changes. Thus, in the search process, global trends of changes in design decisions are taken into account, and not local ones, as in other approaches. This allows obtain a rational solution that is stable to changes in parameters, which are possible in course of design work and production conditions. Investigations are illustrated on the freight rail-car, tractor cabin frame, carrier personnel hull.