Design and Development of A Three-Point Auto Hitch Dynamometer for An Agricultural Tractor

Abstract

This paper describes the design, development and calibration of a three-point auto hitch dynamometer for measuring the horizontal and vertical forces that existed at the three-point hitch of an agricultural tractor. The design concept of the dynamometer was based on an instrumented inverted U frame assembly that was mounted between tractor links and implement. The design incorporates for both lower point hitch spread and mast height adjustments, and quick hitch capability in accordance with category 1 and II three-point hitch system. The force sensing elements were comprised of three steel extended octagonal ring transducers that were located between the inverted U frame and hook brackets. Electrical resistance strain gauges were mounted on the extended octagonal ring transducer at strain angle nodes to independently monitor strains that were proportional to the horizontal and vertical forces at the ring center. Each transducer was designed for maximum horizontal and vertical forces of 25 kN and 10 kN at measurement mean sensitivities of 25.19 µStrain/kN and 25.60 µStrain/kN, respectively. However, the complete dynamometer has been designed to measure the maximum resultant horizontal and vertical forces of 50 kN and 20 kN, respectively. Field demonstration tests on the dynamometer and data acquisition system showed that they were able to function effectively as intended. The data acquisition system was able to successfully scan and record the dynamometer signals as programmed. This dynamometer was part of the complete instrumentation system to be developed onboard a Massey Ferguson 3060 tractor for the generation of a comprehensive database on the power and energy requirements of the tractor and its working implement in the field.

Design and performance analysis of indoor calibration device for the force-measuring system of the tractor three-point hitch

“…The indirect force measurement of the hitch frame structure needs to connect the hitch frame between the tractor and the farm implement [18][19][20][21] , design a multi-sensor space six-component force measuring mechanism, through analysis to calculate the horizontal force, vertical force, lateral force and moment of the soil resistance on the agricultural implement or hitch. According to Roca et al [18] , a three-point hitch double-frame structure was devised to measure the synthetic longitudinal force between the agricultural implement and the soil by analyzing the forces and moments at different couplings between the frame and the implement, which reduce the influence of the dead weight of the measuring frame and the terrain slope on the force of the tractor.…”

“…According to Roca et al [18] , a three-point hitch double-frame structure was devised to measure the synthetic longitudinal force between the agricultural implement and the soil by analyzing the forces and moments at different couplings between the frame and the implement, which reduce the influence of the dead weight of the measuring frame and the terrain slope on the force of the tractor. Chen et al [19] designed a three-dimensional force measurement array device based on a multi-dimensional force sensing unit, which was installed on the hitch force measurement frame to measure and calculate the three spatial resultant forces and three spatial moments of the three-point hitch force. Reduce the coupling error between sensors, and the interference of torque and component force, thereby improving the detection accuracy of dynamic load.…”

Shaping the Design Features of a Dynamometer for Measuring Resistance Biaxial Components of Symmetrical Coulters

“…Some articles present a method for measuring the six load components based on a system installed between a three-point linkage and the agricultural machine [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. A system of this type cannot be used in the load measurement systems in coulters.…”

Measuring and Comparing Forces Acting on Moldboard Plow and Para-Plow with Wing to Replace Moldboard Plow with Para-Plow for Tillage and Modeling It Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interface System (ANFIS)

“…One of the fundamental and important issues in the production cycle of agricultural products is the type of tillage operations [1]. Along with trying to do proper tillage operations, which consumes a significant portion of the energy in crop production [2], it is highly important to optimize the operations and the implements used to cultivate agricultural products [3]. The most common and oldest tillage implement is the moldboard plow.…”