Tractor Operators Research Articles

A low-cost wheel slip measurement device for agricultural tractors

Tractor wheel slip affects the traction of a tractor, fuel efficiency and tyres adversely, along with compaction of the soil. Tractor operators cannot sense the slip unless it continues for some significant time. In the present study, a low-cost slip measuring device and an indicator were developed at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2018) and installed on the tractor dashboard for the operator’s information. It warns the operator about slip both by visual and auditory signals to adjust the driving accordingly. In this study, four different sensors (Inductive proximity sensor, IR sensor, Hall effect sensor, and Photo-electric sensor) were tested for measurement of rotational speed under different working conditions of light and dust. Hall effect sensor was found the best for all the operational conditions. So, a low-cost slip measuring device was developed with the Hall effect sensor integrated with a microcontroller as a retrofit for tractors. The device was mounted on the tractor, and field experiments were conducted. The results obtained from the developed device showed that the values were statistically close to actual values.

Energy Saving Performance of Agricultural Tractor Equipped with Mechanic-Electronic-Hydraulic Powertrain System

Tractors are usually applied in field operations, road transport, and other operations. Modern agriculture has higher design requirements for tractor powertrains due to the complicated working environments and various operations. To meet the driving requirements of the tractor under multiple operations, a mechanic-electronic-hydraulic powertrain system (MEH-PS) for tractors has been designed according to the characteristics of the hydro-mechanical composite transmission and electromechanical hybrid system. The principle of multiple driven and transmission modes of MEH-PS are introduced, the speed regulation characteristic curve of hydro-mechanical transmission (HMT) is given, and the related power element model, tractor model, and efficiency model are established. The HMT optimal economy transmission ratio control strategy and hybrid rule-based optimization energy management strategy were developed. Take three typical tractor operations for analysis: ploughing, harvesting, and transport. The results show that the engine operating points are mainly distributed in the higher load area, the tractor maintains high system efficiency, and the relative error between simulated and tested fuel consumption is within 5%, which further proves the reliability of the model. The solution also showed lower fuel consumption in all three operations compared to DLG’s announced PowerShift tractors and CVT tractors. Thus, the powertrain system can meet the tractor’s drive requirements under complex operating conditions and maintain high efficiency and is therefore suitable for tractors that need to operate frequently in the field and on the road.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ДВИЖЕНИЯ ЛЕСОВОЗНОГО АВТОПОЕЗДА, ОБОРУДОВАННОГО СЕДЕЛЬНО-СЦЕПНЫМ УСТРОЙСТВОМ С ПРУЖИННЫМ АМОРТИЗАТОРОМ

Based on the analysis of scientific works of foreign authors, the main factors influencing the efficiency of the operation of timber tractors with semi-trailers have been identified. A promising design of a fifth wheel coupling with a spring shock absorber for timber tractors with semi-trailers that haul timber in difficult road conditions is proposed. A mathematical model of the movement along a logging road of a logging tractor with a semi-trailer equipped with a fifth wheel coupling with a spring shock absorber has been developed. Based on the developed computer program, a preliminary assessment of the performance indicators of the proposed design of the coupling device was carried out. It has been established that the spring shock absorber of the fifth wheel coupling provides, during braking and acceleration, a decrease in the amplitude of acceleration oscillations between a timber tractor and a semi-trailer with timber in the range from 0.95 to 0.6 m/s2. It was found that in order to reduce unfavorable vibrations of a semi-trailer with timber relative to a timber tractor, it is advisable to use dry friction in a spring shock absorber.

The Application of Homogeneous Markov Chains in the Analysis of the Technical State of Tractors

Planning maintenance activities on tractors can be improved and become more effective when using a mathematical apparatus for modelling the processes of the operation and maintenance of machines and tractors using homogeneous Markov chains. For this purpose, it is necessary to switch from the traditional methods for determining the indicators of their technical state to dynamic methods based on the theory of random processes. The most promising method is the use of homogeneous Markov chains. Based on the accumulated statistical data, it is possible to determine the probabilities of transition from one technical state to another. The values of the transition probabilities are used to construct a probability matrix describing a simple Markov chain. For tractors, taking into account the approaching of their limit state, which is characterized by the full depletion of resources, an absorbing Markov chain is best suited. The algorithms for the decomposition and study of the properties of reducible absorbing Markov chains, which allow obtaining useful information for an efficient operation, maintenance and repair of tractors and complex agricultural machinery, are presented.

Whole Body Vibration Exposure among the Tractor Operator during Soil Tillage Operation: An Evaluation using ISO 2631-5 Standard

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of various tractor ride conditions on the lumbar spine during rotavator operation. The lumbar spinal response was assessed by determining static compressive dose, i.e., Sed (8). Raw acceleration data were measured on the seat pan and seat backrest to varying tractor velocity, tillage depth, and pulling force. The field experiments have been designed using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array and the entire data analyzed in signal-to-noise ratios terms. The mean acceleration responses were dominant along the vertical axis and exposure levels were found beyond the exposure action value, i.e., 0.5 m/s2 as per Directive 2002/44/EU. Mean Sed (8) exceeded the limits of ISO 2631-5 indicating the probability of adverse health effects. Tractor velocity and pulling force have a significant impact on Sed (8) with a 64.43% and 27.73% percentage contribution. The FFT dominant peaks have been found in the 0.8 to 3.7 Hz frequency range. Moreover, the exact frequency of the peaks is found to be dependent on the experimental circumstances. The depicted dominant frequencies found in the range of low frequencies could lead to musculoskeletal disorders since they coincide with the natural frequencies of various parts of the body, especially in the lumbar region.

Techno-Economic Feasibility of Small Tractor Operated Broad Bed Furrow Maker

Techno-Economic Feasibility of Small Tractor Operated Broad Bed Furrow Maker

Virtual reality for public health: a study on a VR intervention to enhance occupational injury prevention.

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the USA. Especially, tractor rollover incidents are the leading cause of farming-related injuries or deaths. This study examines the effect of a VR intervention (Virtual Reality Intervention for Safety Education; VRISE) on behavioral intentions for occupational safety and identifies a psychological mechanism that shows how the immersive technology works. VRISE was developed by a multidisciplinary team of agricultural educators, computer scientists and communication specialists. It was designed to provide a virtual environment where users practice tractor operation and try to avoid several rollover hazards. The participants (291 high school students) were recruited at the 2019 National Future Farmers Association Convention & Expo and randomly assigned to one of three conditions: two different types of control groups (Control1: No treatment group and Control2: 2D Screen group) and the treatment group. Findings show that, through the immersive VR experience, the VR intervention enhanced perceived threat of tractor-related accidents which in turn, led to improved behavioral intentions for tractor safety. Findings shed light on the effectiveness of a VR intervention to improve public health outcomes, especially in occupational safety education, where unsafe practices often result in injury and fatality.

Повышение эффективности междугородных грузовых автомобильных перевозок на основе учета факторов, влияющих на переменные затраты

Abstract. According to official statistics, about a quarter of road transport enterprises are unprofitable, so increasing their efficiency is an urgent task of the transport industry. In the market, carriers always has alternative options for loading vehicles. Based on the profit maximization criterion, the most effective trips are those that provide the maximum specific margin profit, which is determined by dividing the difference between the tariff and variable costs for the duration of the ride. Earlier studies conducted to determine effective trips were determined on the basis of average variable costs for the vehicles in question, however, studies have shown that variable costs significantly depend on the age of the vehicles and the load factor. The purpose of this study is to improve the efficiency of intercity road freight transport on the basis of improving the methodology for selecting transportation orders, providing the maximum specific marginal profit in the specific operating conditions of vehicles. The basis of the methodology is to take into account the factors affecting variable costs in long-distance road transportation of goods. The study was conducted based on statistical data on the operation of Mercedes-Benz Actros-1840 truck tractors in AlliansAuto LLC in 2020 and 2021. The regularities of the influence of the age of the vehicles on fuel consumption and repair costs, as well as the load factor on fuel consumption were determined. The scientific novelty of the research is the improved methodology for selecting applications for transportation by marginal profit, taking into account the established patterns of influence of specific conditions on variable costs. The calculated economic effect in the form of an increase in marginal profit by 61860 rubles in annual terms for the conditions of transportation by road trains LLC “AllianceAuto” on the direction Chelyabinsk — Moscow testifies to the practical significance of the proposed methodology. Further improvement of the methodology for selecting applications for transportation by marginal profit is advisable to clarify the pattern of influence of the load on repair costs.

Influence of natural production conditions on efficient operation of wheel tractors

For the zones of “risky farming” characteristic of the Far East of the Russian Federation, the natural production conditions of the region are an important problem in preparing the soil for further basic agricultural work. So, when carrying out early spring agricultural work, due to presence of a solid underlying layer in the form of permafrost, they shall be completed in operational terms no more than 10 days, until the permafrost base thaws and the soil has not lost its bearing capacity. In addition, due to the peculiarities of the relief, the soil does not thaw equally in depth everywhere, which reduces the quality of field work and harrowing, as the most common operation, namely. This article provides theoretical and experimental studies on the adaptation of a wheeled tractor as part of a machine-tractor unit (MTU) used in harrowing to natural production conditions by installing a device that automatically regulates the load on the working body of the disc harrow or on the propellers of the energy device, depending on the conditions of use or the state of the motion surface.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DIGITAL TOOLS FOR TRACTOR DIAGNOSING

Agricultural producers and agricultural machinery enterprises are trying to minimize the risks associated with external and internal stress factors caused by changes in logistics and financial spheres. Risks can be minimized with the service maintenance of equipment, which is based on the use of FMEA analysis and CALS technologies. There is a need to develop multifunctional digital diagnostic tools. (Research purpose) The research purpose is analyzing the systems used to monitor the technical state of equipment and determining the possibilities of developing and manufacturing experimental multifunctional digital tools for the resource diagnostics of tractors. (Materials and methods) Data from domestic and foreign manufacturers of diagnostic equipment, as well as standards regulating the technical operation of agricultural tractors and machines by monitoring the technical condition were used. With the current level of availability of digital diagnostic tools during daily maintenance, it is difficult to determine deviations in technical condition at the initial stages in re-sourcedetermining nodes and components. (Results and discussion) In order to minimize technological risk, Gostechnadzor use digital means of instrumental control during inspection, and continuous information support technologies are implemented by the technological portal of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia - the Federal State Information System for Accounting and Registration of Equipment. According to GOST R 27.013-2019, experimental samples of multifunctional digital diagnostic tools, assessment of expenditure of resource indicators, which can serve as prototypes for the creation of digital monitoring systems, are developed and presented. (Conclusions) The conducted analysis and research have shown the possibility of further improvement of tractor maintenance through the development and implementation of new multifunctional digital diagnostic tools.

Assessing Youth Safety Knowledge through the Agriculture Experience Tracker (AET).

The purpose of this study was to assess high school agricultural education youth safety knowledge. The target population consisted of high school agricultural education youth, ages 14-19 years, who were enrolled in School Based Agricultural Education programs that utilized the AET agricultural safety exam feature between the dates of May 2019 and June 2020 (N=1478). The safety knowledge questions were randomly generated from the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program instructor curriculum resources. The exam consisted of 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions with one point being awarded for each correct answer and covered topics such as safety basics, agricultural hazards, tractors, connecting and using implements with tractors and materials handling. The majority of respondents were male (n = 865, 58.5%); and in eleventh grade, twelve grade, or beyond high school (33.8%, 34.3%, and 22.9% respectively). Most respondents indicated they were from a rural area (52.5%), and most had not received formal safety training (74.4%). Test scores for the 1478 respondents ranged from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 98. Within each independent variable, test scores averaged in the low 60's with the exception of test scores from students in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade which averaged 78, 46, and 56 respectively. Research and continuous education are needed to influence the behaviors of young workers in agricultural settings.

Determination of Safety Parameters for Cars and Tractors

The article discusses the basic safety requirements for the operation of tractors and cars with different drives. This is how the method for determining the main parameters is given, namely, the determination of the center of gravity, which is important in theoretical calculations. If there is some change in the design or the car is loaded, then the center of gravity shifts, so the methodology for calculating such cases is given. The following are examples when driving on a roadside, with their properties such as slope, rise and slope. The corresponding calculation formulas are given.

BALLASTING AS THE WAY OF IMPROVING THE OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE TRACTOR

Since the invention of the tractor, its operational properties have been improved. As engine power increased, researchers, manufacturers and consumers looked for various ways to maximize the use of the effective power of the engine. Such methods are an increase in operational weight due to filling tires with liquid; the use of mechanical and hydraulic rear wheel loaders, agricultural machines on the front hitch and ballast loads. (Research purpose) The research purpose is to determine the limits of energy saturation of tractors of leading foreign manufacturers, to analyze the approach of foreign companies to the design of operational properties of tractors, to study, within the limits of energy saturation, the relationship between the operational mass of the tractor and the mass of the ballast cargo, to establish the optimal loading in order to maximize the operational properties for tractors of various classes. (Materials and methods) The article presents the research of domestic scientists studying the boundaries of energy saturation, manuals for the operation of tractors of leading foreign firms, tractors of the Belarus family, agricultural machinery. Authors applied the following methods: comparison, forecasting, economic and mathematical modeling, expert assessments and others. (Results and discussion) The article presents the energy saturation of 165 foreign agricultural tractors in 18 engine power ranges from 72 horsepower (53 kilowatts) to 628 horsepower (462 kilowatts) with a tractor weight from 3,400 to 29,940 kilograms. According to the energy saturation data, the limits of the energy saturation of tractors in different ranges of engine power and from different manufacturers were presented. The article presents the optimal loading options for maximizing the operational properties of tractors. (Conclusions) Based on the calculations of productivity and the effect of ballasting on productivity, the optimal option of loading was described.

Reach Envelopes for Indian Tractor Operators Based on Anthropometry with a Gender-Neutral Perspective

Tractors have played a crucial role in India’s agricultural mechanisation. The involvement of women workers has increased in various agricultural operations. They are also becoming controllers of various farm machines and are expected to operate various self-propelled farm machines, especially tractors. The operators’ workplace on tractors used on farms need to be ergonomically compatible with the abilities of men and women workers. The present study was intended to develop the hand- and leg-reach envelopes to optimise the location of tractor controls based on anthropometric data of male and female Indian agricultural workers. Based on optimum hand-reach envelopes, gender-neutral tractor workplace accommodating 90% of operators of both genders suggested that the hand controls should not be closer than 317 mm and farther than 430 mm in the horizontal direction from seat index point (SIP). These controls should be placed between 186 mm and 380 mm in the vertical direction above the SIP. In the lateral direction, the controls should be placed within 424 mm on either side of the SIP. Based on leg reach envelopes, the foot pedals should not be located nearer than 410 mm and farther than 452 mm in the horizontal direction from the SIP. These controls also should not be placed nearer than 261 mm and farther than 373 mm downward from the SIP. In the lateral direction, the controls should not be placed nearer than 131 mm and farther than 283 mm on either side of the SIP.

Utility of Tractor Operated Mobile Shredder for Cotton Residue Management

The crop residue after cotton picking is burnt creating environmental pollution. This problem can be addressed by shredding the crop residue in the field which is a source of nutrition and organic matter. Cotton growing farmers under irrigation condition from Rasanagi Village, Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka were randomly selected. Immediately after completion of cotton picking, the mobile shredder was operated in the field. The cotton plants were 190–200 d old. The moisture content of the cotton stalk was 41.80 per cent. The effective field capacity of the tractor-operated mobile shredder was found to be 0.34 ha/h. The field and uprooting efficiency was 80.90 and 92.70 per cent, respectively. The shredding efficiency in terms of length of cut was recorded as 42.7 mm. This length of shredded particles was easily decomposed and mixed well in the soil. A total of 7.85 t/ha of shredded cotton stalk was added to the field. The time consumed to complete one hectare of shredding of cotton field was less than 3 h. The economics of operation was Rs. 2358.00 which is 63 per cent less than the expenditure incurred by the farmers.

Evaluating how operator experience level affects efficiency gains for precision agricultural tools

AbstractTractor guidance (TG) improve environmental gains relative to nonprecision technologies; however, studies evaluating how tractor operator experience for nonguidance comparisons affect gains are nonexistent. This study explores spatial relationships of overlaps and gaps with operator experience level (0–1, 2–3, 6+ yr) during fertilizer and herbicide applications based on terrain attributes. Tractor paths recorded by global navigation satellite systems were used to create overlap polygons. Results illustrate operator experience level is critical for better efficiency gains estimation (for non‐TG comparisons). Operators with 6+ yr of experience reduced overlap by 7.7 and 20.6% compared with operators with 2–3 and 0–1 yr of experience, respectively. New operators had consistently higher overlap across all slope (<0.5, 0.5–1, 1–2, 2–5, 5–9, and 9–15%) and roughness classes (<0.1, 0.1–0.2, 0.2–0.3, 0.3–0.5, 0.5–0.7, 0.7–1 and >1). A low interpersonal reliability value of 0.02–0.03 indicates operator experience is crucial to estimate TG efficiency gains and consistent drivers experience levels are needed when evaluating economic and environmental gains from TG.

Behavior recognition and fuel consumption prediction of tractor sowing operations using smartphone

In order to qualitatively recognize the behaviors and investigate the relationship between fuel consumption and machinery driving modes of the tractor in a low-cost approach, this study proposed a method for behavior recognition and fuel consumption prediction of tractor sowing operations using a smartphone. First, three driving modes were developed for maize sowing scenarios: manual driving assisted driving and unmanned driving. While sowing, smartphone software and CAN (Controller Area Network) storage devices collected both positional data and engine operating conditions. Second, the tractor trajectory points were divided into kinematic sequences, with six driving cycle indicators built in each series based on the time window. Based on the semantic information of the kinematic sequences, the three operations of sowing, seeds filling, and turning round were well recognized. Last, a model for maize sowing fuel consumption forecast was advanced using the principal component analyses and random forest algorithm, regarding three factors: driving cycles, operating behaviors, and driving patterns. When compared to the traditional K-means algorithm, the results demonstrated that the harmonic mean of the precision and recall (F1 score) of sowing behavior recognition, seeds filling behavior recognition, and turning behavior recognition were enhanced by 2.06%, 8.99%, and 21.79%, respectively. In terms of the impacts of driving modes and operating behaviors on fuel consumption, assisted driving mode had the lowest fuel usage for both sowing and turning behavior. Therefore, assisted driving is the most fuel-efficient mode for maize sowing. Combining the three driving modes, the relative error of the fuel consumption prediction model was 0.11 L/h, with the manual driving mode having the lowest relative error at 0.09 L/h. This research method lays the foundation for the optimization of tractor operation behavior, the selection of tractor driving mode, and the fine management of tractor fuel consumption. Keywords: smartphone, kinematic sequence, operating behavior, fuel consumption forecast, tractor DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20221504.7454 Citation: Yang L L, Tian W Z, Zhai W X, Wang X X, Chen Z B, Wen L, et al. Behavior recognition and fuel consumption prediction of tractor sowing operations using a smartphone. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2022; 15(4): 154–162.

Determination and Application of Maximum Efficiency Curve of Crawler Electric Tractor Motors

With the excessive use of fossil fuels such as oil, the energy crisis and environmental pollution have become important problems related to people’s livelihoods. In agriculture, as a new type of green agricultural machinery, the electric tractor has the advantages of high energy utilization and no exhaust emission. The motor is the core component of an electric tractor’s drive system. Its characteristics and control directly affect a tractor’s operating efficiency, operating quality, and energy consumption. A motor drive control scheme based on a characteristic curve at the maximum efficiency of an electric motor was adopted to address the problems of low motor power utilization and short continuous operation time on a full charge in electric tractors. By leveraging methods to obtain characteristic curves at the lowest fuel consumption for gasoline engines, we determined the characteristic curve at the maximum efficiency for a motor in a crawler-type electric tractor. Plowing is the most basic form of tractor operation, and it represents the agricultural work that accounts for most of a tractor’s use. A field test was conducted on the drive control in plowing operation based on the curve, and the energy consumed to plow each m2, continuous plowing operation time on a full charge, and operating efficiency were tested. The test results showed plowing power consumption per m2 of about 8.40 × 10−3 kWh and work efficiency of 707.07 m2/h. Compared with the traditional tractor, the cost of plowing 1 m2 by the crawler-type electric tractor was reduced by 20.3%–32.5%. Because the control improves operating efficiency, battery energy consumption is reduced and continuous operation time is extended; hence, the control achieves its purpose.

Дослідження елементів технічного регулювання щодо введення в обіг та в експлуатацію сільськогосподарських і лісогосподарських тракторів

The purpose of the study is to analyse the quantitative and qualitative composition of registered and registered in Ukraine in 2020 agricultural and forestry tractors (hereinafter - tractors) and to identify areas for improvement of technical regulatory elements for their commissioning and operation. Research methods. The methodological basis of the work is the analysis and generalization of data on registered and registered tractors, as well as certain elements of technical regulation (technical regulations, standards, procedures for assessment and confirmation of conformity). Results. To summarize the structure of data on tractors, an analysis of their quantitative and qualitative composition, namely new (2018-2020 years of production) and first commissioned in 2020 in Ukraine wheeled and tracked tractors, based on the report of the State Food and Consumer Service of Ukraine for 2020 [Register ( open data), 2020]. The results of the analysis showed that for the first time in Ukraine mostly new tractors are registered (96 %) and only about 4 % - imported, used tractors. Analysis of the distribution of registered new tractors by origin showed that about 60 % of new tractors are Chinese tractors, the vast majority of which are small tractors, about 22 % ― Belarusian production, domestic serial tractors are a small percentage ― within 6 %. Some elements of technical regulation used for putting into operation and operation of tractors in terms of their efficiency (technical regulations, procedures for confirmation of conformity and registration) are analysed. The results of the research are generalized and the directions of improvement of the elements of technical regulation on the commissioning and operation of tractors in Ukraine are determined. Conclusions. Taking into account the results of research on the structure and origin of tractors placed on the market and put into operation in Ukraine, analysis of the provisions of current regulations, it is determined that the issue of putting into operation and operation of single models of tractors, agricultural and forestry trailers remains unresolved. , trailer vehicles (hereinafter - vehicles), in particular the type of which is not approved in Ukraine, as well as used, converted, etc. Therefore, the current technical legislation governing the introduction of mass-produced vehicles covered by the Technical Regulation approving the type of agricultural and forestry tractors, their trailers and replaceable trailers, systems, components and individual technical units [CMU Resolution № 1367 of 28.12.2011] (hereinafter ― the Technical Regulation of type approval 1367/2011) must be supplemented by regulations, which establish the requirements and procedures for confirming the conformity of individual models of vehicles. This will allow for a more complete settlement of the issue of admission to traffic of safe vehicles.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF "KIROVETS" TRACTOR FAILURES IN THE NOVOSIBIRSK REGION

For ensuring of the efficient operation of tractors in agriculture, there is a need of the information on failures of aggregates and systems. In the agricultural production of Russia, serial tractors are operated in various production and climatic conditions, the specifics of failures in specific regions are of particular interest. Kirovets tractors are the most common in the agro- industrial complex of the Novosibirsk region. (Research purpose) The research purpose is to collect and analyze statistical data on failures of Kirovets tractors operated in agricultural production in the Novosibirsk region. (Materials and methods) Failures of Kirovets tractors were logged at the place of appearance and operating time of the tractor for three years. The sample consists of 129 tractors. The data obtained were processed by mathematical statistics methods. (Results and discussion) Forty one percent of failures occur in the operating time interval of up to 500 moto-hours. The maximum number of failures accounted for the chassis, 37 percent, and transmission units, 32 percent. Forty six percent of failures are caused by violation of operating rules, 8 by climatic factors, 46 percent by insufficient quality of the tractor itself. (Conclusions) The article describes a certain specificity of failures of the studied tractors in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region. The main reason for failures is the low quality of assembly and the use of substandard materials in production. The article recommends for improving of the reliability of the Kirovets tractor to develop proposals to adjust the frequency and content of maintenance, taking into account regional specifics. The manufacturer needs to pay more attention to the quality control of the assemblies and components and the incoming quality control of materials used in the production of the tractor.