Mechanical Devices for Mass Distribution Adjustment: Are They Really Convenient?

Abstract

Since the introduction of four-wheel drive (4WD) and especially front wheel assist (FWA), many studies have been conducted on the optimal weight distribution between tractor front and rear axles because this influences traction efficiency. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the traction and efficiency advantages in the adoption of mechanical ballast position adjustment devices. The tested device is an extendable ballast holder mounted on the front three-point hitch of the tractor, able to displace the ballast up to 1 m away from its original position. An estimation of the fuel consumption during ploughing with the extendable ballast holder in different configurations was performed. Tractive performance was evaluated through drawbar tests, performed on loam soil with a 4WD tractor having a maximum engine power of 191 kW and a ballasted mass of 9590 kg. Results show that changing the tractor weight distribution over the range allowed by the extendable ballast holder produces limited effects in terms of tractive performance and fuel saving. The adoption of such devices is thus ineffective if other fundamental factors such as tyre pressure, choice of the front-to-rear wheel combination and lead of the front wheels are not considered during tractor setup.

Rollover Safety and Workable Boundary Suggestion of an Agricultural Platform with Different Attachments

“…There is no disadvantage of gaining extra weight on the vehicle for the weight balance. Varani et al [35] reported that the changes in tractor mass distribution did not produce practical effects on machine performance and fuel consumption. Similar results were observed in other works [36][37][38][39].…”

Fatigue Analysis of Spike Segment of Special Tractor Wheels in Terms of Design Improvement for Chernozem Soil

“…A load tractor 4K-14 (Agrozet, České Budějovice, Czech Republic) was used to stop the test tractor. References [52][53][54] also used the load tractor to measure the drawbar pull of the test tractor. The load cell EMS 150 (Emsyst, s.r.o., Trenčín, Slovakia), with an accuracy class of 0.2, rated capacity of 10 kN, and rated output of 0-10 V, was placed between the load and test tractor.…”

Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations

“…In the last few decades, the adoption of conventional tillage has declined worldwide due to its high energy demand and soil degradation issues leading to compacted soil composed of fine particles with low levels of soil organic matter [14]. This increased environmental consciousness in the agricultural sector pushed the development of innovative eco-friendly machines by researchers and manufacturers [15][16][17][18][19] and the broader adoption of conservative tillage (CT) techniques by farmers [20]. Conservation tillage (CT) is a tillage system that creates a suitable soil environment for growing a crop and that conserves soil, water, and energy resources mainly through a reduction in the intensity of tillage and the retention of plant residues [13].…”