• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.285-295
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a three-wheel riding cultivator for improving the performance of the current four-wheel riding cultivators in the market. Methods: A prototype three-wheel riding cultivator with the rated power of 15.5-kW, a primary hydrostatic and a two-speed selective gear transmission shifts, front/rear three-wheel drive, a hydraulic wheel tread adjustment, and the mid-section attachment of the major implements was designed and constructed. Its specifications and basic performance are investigated. Results: The maximum speeds of the prototype at the low and high stages were measured to be approximately 7.31, and 11.29 km/h in forward travel, respectively, and approximately 3.60, and 6.37 km/h in rearward travel, respectively. The minimum ground clearance is shown to be 670 mm. The rotating speeds of the power takeoff (PTO) shaft at the low and high stages are shown to be approximately 795 and 1,140 rpm, respectively. The tread of the rear wheels, the minimum radius of turning, and the maximum lifting height of the parallel link device are measured to be within 1,320-1,720 mm, 2.80 m, and 390 mm, respectively. Approximately 25.3% and 74.7% of the total weight of the prototype are distributed in the front and rear wheels on flat ground, respectively. When the tread of rear wheels increased from 1,320 to 1,720 mm, the left and right static lateral overturning angles increased from $33.4^{\circ}$ to $39.1^{\circ}$ and from $29.0^{\circ}$ to $36.1^{\circ}$, respectively. Conclusions: The prototype three-wheel riding cultivator showed a wide range of travel and PTO speeds, high minimum ground clearance, small minimum radius of turning, and easy control of the rear wheel tread. Further, the easy observation of cultivating operations by mid-mounting the implements can improve quality of work. Therefore, the prototype is expected to contribute to the riding mechanization of cultivating operations for various upland crops in Korea.