Energy Efficiency Classification of Agricultural Tractors in Korea

Purpose: This study was conducted to classify the energy efficiency of 131 tractor models tested during from 2006 to 2010 in Korea. Methods: Four sub-indexes were developed using the fuel consumptions at 60% and 90% of rated speed with partial loads and at pull speeds of 3.0 km/h and 7.5 km/h with maximum drawbar pull. Weighting factors of the sub-indexes were also considered to reflect the characteristics of tractor's actual working hours in Korea. Four sub-indexes were integrated into a classification index. Using the developed classification index, a five-classification system was made on the basis of normal distribution of tractors over the classification range. Percentage of $1^{st}$ grade interval was expected to be close to 15%, $2^{nd}$ grade 20%, $3^{rd}$ grade 30%, $4^{th}$ grade 20%, $5^{th}$ grade 15%. Results: Number of $1^{st}$ grade was 21, $2^{nd}$ grade 23, $3^{rd}$ grade 39, $4^{th}$ grade 33, $5^{th}$ grade 15 among 131 models. Conclusions: Classification index was developed by integrating four sub-indexes. By the classification method using developed index, distribution of classified tractors was acceptable for practical application.