Development and Evaluation of Tractors and Tillage Implements Instrumentation System

Abstract

Problem statement: Field machines contribute a major portion of the total cost of crop production. Proper selection and matching of farm machinery is essential in order to reduce the cost of crop production. Performance data for tractors and implements are, therefore, essential for farm machinery operators and manufacturers alike. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an instrumentation system for tractor and agricultural implements. Approach: An instrumentation system was developed and mounted on an MF 3090 tractor to measure and record data for the various performance parameters of the tractor and attached tillage implements. The system was designed to measure: drawbar pull, three-point linkage forces, rear and front wheel forces, PTO torque, ground speed, tillage depth, fuel consumption, engine speed and fluid temperatures. Results: The system performed well during the field operations and the results obtained showed that the accuracies of the transducers were acceptable. The wheel torque and weight transducers measured the torque and forces acting on the tractor wheels with high accuracy. The other transducers measured the vertical and the horizontal forces on mounted implements of categories II (40-100 hp) and III (80-225 hp). The field tests showed significant increase in the draft with increases in the depth and speed. A general regression equation to predict draft of the implements was developed. Conclusion: The system was capable of measuring the draft of primary tillage implements on sandy loam soils at various speeds and depths with high accuracy. The data was recorded, displayed and analyzes simultaneously.