Predicting the Passability of Wheeled Tractors

Abstract

Assessment of the tractor's passability plays an essential role in determining its capability to move under certain conditions. However, the operation of forest machinery may lead to soil deformation and degradation of its mechanical properties. Consequently, this study aims to develop a mathematical model for the tractor's crosscountry capability assessment and its impact on the soil. A predictive model was created as part of the study, which depends on the soil and the forwarder parameters. Some high-correlation dependencies of deformation modulus and cone index, specific tractive force, internal friction angle, and shear modulus on these parameters were established. The developed model can be used to analyze changes in rut depth and soil compaction factors after multiple tractor passages. Soil moisture content and temperature can influence the deformation rate, as drier and warmer soils tend to deform much faster. Furthermore, the proposed model can analyze the impact of forestry and agricultural machinery on soils.