Week 5 Traction

Three principal ways of transmitting tractor-engine power into useful work—power

takeoff, hydraulic, and drawbar—the least efficient and most used method is the
drawbar.

Traction is the term applied to the driving force developed by a wheel, track, or
other traction device.

Tractive efficiency (TE):

defined as the ratio of output power (of the implement) to the input power (of
tractor-engine) for a traction device.
the measure of the efficiency with which the traction device transforms the
torque acting on the axle into power for implements (such as drawbar).

R2/ deep lug cane and rice tread-

> the “deepest” lug for wet soil

 R3 Flotation tyre—> for less compaction such as

on road
Factors affecting traction efficiency:
Soil parameters (physical properties)
Presence of crop residues and cover crops
Direction of loading of tire (e.g., hillside use)
Load carried by tire
Tire pressure (deflection ratio = deflection/tire section height)
Inflation
 Deflected= the tyre get buldged at the sidewalls coz of being loaded

Deflated=kampis

Inflated=berisi

A grower can maximize his tire deflection by having a clear understanding of the
weight and speed he or she will be applying on his tires for any given load.
Adjusting the air pressure to ensure his tire deflection and resulting footprint is
optimized to his working conditions will allow him to achieve:

Traction (reduced fuel cost)

Flotation (reduced compaction = greater yield)
Faster through the field (labor cost)
Improved tire life (tire value & wear life)

——

Factors affecting tyre performance:

1. Tractive efficiency (ratio of output power to the input power for a traction
device).
2. Net tractive coefficient (the ratio of the net pull (or force) produced to the
dynamic normal load on the traction device)
3. Tire life
4. Soil compaction
A tire is characterized by:
1. Tire construction type: radial or cross ply,
2. Mounting data,
3. Ply rating and
4. Other dimensions such as deflection%

General functions of tyre:

1. support the vehicle and associated loads at some low level of ground pressure,
2. absorb shock loads and cushion the vehicle against minor surface
irregularities,
3. provide traction (and braking), .
4. provide for steering and directional stability,
5. resist the abrasive action of the various surfaces on which it is expected to
operate.

The important variables in relation to the tyres include:

(i) Size (diameter and width) —> determines their tractive capacity and
rolling resistance.
(ii) Strength, expressed in terms of ply rating—> determines the pressure,
weight that the tire can carry; the tractive capacity (power. i.e. <40hp play
rating from 2-7, >40hp play rating 8-14), the rolling resistance.
(iii) Tread pattern which, together with the surface characteristics,
determines the engagement and / or contact with the surface.
(b)—> industrial work or orchards.
 (f)—> cage wheel
Ballasting
The tire manufacturer's rec​ommended load, at normal inflation pressures, not be
exceeded.
Addition of ballast to a tractor is usually accomplished by:
1. Adding wheel weights,
wheel spacer

2. Adding front weights,

 Front ballast package

3.Filling the tires with water.

need to remove the cap first before fitting our valve and adapter (for tubeless) onto the
tube which is connected to the hose for supplying the water. Deflate the tyre first up to
7psi before letting water in. The valve can adjust the air/water ratio by removing the air if
in excess.

Normal total pressure (25% air + 75% water)= 30-35psi

NOTE: 49kg=1hp

Adding too much ballast will result in excessive power loss due to
increased rolling resistance, but insufficient ballast will cause power loss
because of the increased wheelslip.