초록
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of axle weight distribution and inflation pressure of tire on the fuel economy of tractors as well as operational range of tractor engine in terms of engine speed and power when a 4WD tractor of 38.2 kW rated power at 2500 rpm is used for plowing and flooded-field rotavating in paddy fields. (1) Plowing operation required an average engine power of 9.6~13.5 kW which equals 25~35% of rated PTO power. Engine speed ranged from 1,320.4 to 1,737.4 rpm, work velocity from 3.4 to 4.8 km/h, and fuel consumption from 3.2 to 4.2 L/h, respectively. (2) Flooded-field rotavating required an average engine power of 11.5~18.5 kW which equals 30~48.4% of rated PTO power. Out of this 6.2~12.2 kW was used for PTO power. Engine speed ranged from 1,557 to 2,067 rpm, work velocity from 2.5~5.4 km/h and fuel consumption from 3.2~5.5 L/h, respectively. (3) Axle weight distribution, inflation pressure of tire and moisture content of soil did not affect significantly the specific volumetric fuel consumption but affected significantly the fuel consumption per unit area of operation. Fuel savings amounted to 65% in plowing operation and 20% in flooded-field rotavating when the axle weight distribution and inflation pressure of tire were optimally adjusted. (4) Optimal adjustment of axle weight distribution and inflation pressure of tire are expected to save fuel consumption by 10~65% per unit area of operation in plowing and 10~20% in flooded-field rotavating.