Rationale for Measurements to be Selected for Tractors to Perform Agricultural Activities Differing in Energy Intensity

Abstract

The topic is relevant due to the need to improve basic measurements of tractors, considering a major contribution they make to crop production, not only during separate technological operations, but also during a whole sequence of technological operations performed. The paper analyzes the limits to which the basic measurements of tractors (weight and engine power), which are used to perform a combination of technological operations requiring different energy consumption, can be altered and to identify practical limits to perform a combination of low and high energy-consuming activities. The key research method used is mathematical modeling based on system analysis and computational experiments that are carried out using models of implements during various technological operations. The results of calculations analyzed for technological operations that differ in the amount of energy consumed suggest that for each of the groups of technological operations that require similar amount of energy (soil resistivity per meter of working width, kN/m), there are fairly stable values of the basic measurements of tractors. A reasonable weight for tractors to perform operations such as harrowing, continuous cultivation of soil with a resistivity of 1 to 4 kN/m is 35-60 kN. For soil preparation with a resistivity of 4 to 8 kN/m it is 100-120 kN, for plowing with a resistivity from 10 to 16.25 kN/m – equal to 160 kN, for tillage with subsoilers with a resistivity from 8 to 16 kN/m – equal to 240 kN. Once put to practice, the findings will lead to a decrease in total energy consumption to 10,000 MJ/ha. The amount of saved energy costs depends on the type of technological operation, the parameters of tractors used, the characteristics of agricultural implements, soil properties, etc.