Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Efficient utilization of tractor include maximizing fuel economy as well as maximizing traction potential with optimum stability. The present study was taken up to develop an instrumented tractor for conducting haulage performance tests of a 39 kW PTO power of tractor to its dynamic behavior. Dynamic behaviour deals with safety, stability and mobility of tractor in different terrain conditions. The haulage performance parameters include draft, vertical force and stability. The tractor was instrumented with coupling mouth consisted two load cells of 5 ton capacity at single hitch point. The wheel reactions under dynamic condition were calculated to evaluate the stability index of tractor. Based on the desire stability index of 20 %, the maximum safe haulage capacity of test tractor was found to be 15000 kg on plane surface. However on 4 degree uphill and 4 degree downhill slopes the loading capacity was reduced to 13000 kg and 14000 kg.