• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.131-139
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• 2012

In this study, we developed a simulation program for the prediction of tractive performance of a tractor, by applying a widely used empirical model for tractive performance prediction of single tire, Brixius. The tractive performance prediction program can readily predict and estimate tractive performance according to various soil conditions and different specifications of tractors. The program was developed with the considerations of tractor's specification-related parameters (e.g., weight, tire size, and wheelbase of the tractor), a soil parameter (i.e., cone index which represents the soil strength), and operating conditions of the tractor (e.g., theoretical speed and driving types such as 2WD and 4WD). Also, the program was designed to provide tractive performance prediction results of tractors such as gross traction, motion resistance, net traction, and tractive efficiency, in the form of not only numerical values but also graphical visualization. To evaluate the feasibility of the program, we input three different soil conditions (which have different cone indexes each other) and tractor operating conditions to the program and analyzed the tractive performance from each input condition. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the developed program can be effectively utilized to predict the tractive performance under various soil conditions and driving types of tractors with different specifications.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.491-500
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate experimentally the effect of the tire inflation pressure of a tractor on soil compaction and tractive performance. Two kinds of field experiments were conducted using an agricultural tractor. One experiment is concerned with the tractive performance of the tractor at the three levels of tire inflation pressure; 50kpa, 100kpa and 200kpa, and the other one is about the soil compaction at the four levels of tire inflation pressure; 50kpa, 100kpa, 150kpa and 200kpa, at three different numbers of passes; 1, 3 and 5 passes. From the results of the field experiment, it was found that decreasing the tire inflation pressure decreased the motion resistance of tractor and increased the tractive force and tractive efficiency. The tractive and working performance of the tractor could be improved by the reduction of tire inflation pressure. Increasing the inflation pressure and the number of passes increased the soil compaction. Rate of compaction increased rapidly at the first pass and declined at subsequent passes. To reduce the effect of soil compaction for the whole field, it is recommended that tractor should follow the rut of the first pass from the subsequent passes, and decrease the inflation pressure of the driving tires up to allowable minimum level.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.108-120
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• 2001

In this paper, the braking performance considering the dynamic weight is analyzed about the tractor-semitrailer vehicle. The basic brake performance, the parking brake performance, the emergency brake performance and the locking point deceleration etc. are to be calculated for the brake system design of the tractor-semitrailer vehicle. This braking performance is related to traffic regulations and braking characteristics according to the vehicle deceleration, the tire-road friction coefficient and specifications of the air brake system. The design program for the braking performance based on various design variables of the vehicle and the air brake system is developed integrating the analysis functions. This design program is developed by an object oriented programming method that is windows based. GUI (Graphic User Interface) function and the convenience of operating are greatly considered.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2014

Background: Significant technological development and changes happened in the tractor industries. Contrariwise, the test procedures of the major standard development organizations (SDO's) remained unchanged or with a little modification over the years, demanding new tractor test standards or improvement of existing ones for tractor performance, safety, and comfort. Purpose: This study focuses on reviewing the research trends regarding performance, safety and comfort evaluation of agricultural tractors. Based on this review, few recommendations were proposed to revise or improve the current test standards. Review: Tractor power take-off power test using the DC electric dynamometer reduced human error in the testing process and increased the accuracy of the test results. GPS signals were used to determine acceleration and converted into torque. High capacity double extended octagonal ring dynamometer has been designed to measure drawbar forces. Numerical optimization methodology has been used to design three-point hitch. Numerous technologies, driving strategies, and transmission characteristics are being considered for reducing emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Engine emission control technology standards need to be revised to meet the exhaust regulations for agricultural tractors. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program has been used to design Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS). Program and methodology has been presented for testing tractor brake systems. Whole-body vibration emission levels have been found to be very dependent upon the nature of field operation performed, and the test track techniques required development/adaptation to improve their suitability during standardized assessment. Emphasizes should be given to improve visibility and thermal environment inside the cab for tractor operator. Tractors need to be evaluated under electromagnetic compatibility test conditions due to large growing of electronic devices. Research trends reviewed in this paper can be considered for possible revision or improvement of tractor performance, safety, and comfort test standards.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.77-84
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• 2010

In this study, we tried to predict tractor power output, fuel consumption rate and work performance indirectly in order to develop an eco driving system. Firstly, we developed equations which could predict tractor power output and fuel consumption rate using characteristic curves of tractor power output. Secondly, with actual engine rpm determined by initial engine rpm and work load, tractor power output and fuel consumption rate were forecasted. Thirdly, with speed signals of GPS sensor system, it was possible to foresee tractor work performance and fuel consumption rate. Lastly, precision of the eco driving system was evaluated through tractor PTO test, and effects of the eco driving system were investigated in the plowing and rotary tilling operations. Engine rpm, power output, fuel consumption rate, work performance and fuel consumption rate per plot area were displayed in the eco driving system. Predicted tractor power outputs in the full load curve were well coincided with the actual power output of prototype, but small differences, 1 to 6 ㎾, were found in the part load curve. Error of the fuel consumption rate was 0.5 L/h, 4.5%, the greatest, and 1 to 3 L/h at the part load curve. It was shown that 69% and 53% of fuel consumption rates could be reduced in plowing and rotary tilling operations, respectively, when the eco driving system was installed in tractor.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2013

Purpose: A simulator for the design and performance evaluation of a tractor with a hydro-mechanical transmission (HMT) was developed. Methods: The HMT consists of a hydro-static unit (HSU), a swash plate control system, and a planetary gear. It was modeled considering the input/output relationship of the torque and speed, and efficiency of HSU. Furthermore, a dynamic model of a tractor was developed considering the traction force, running resistance, and PTO (power take off) output power, and a tractor performance simulator was developed in the co-simulation environment of AMESim and MATLAB/Simulink. Results: The behaviors of the design parameters of the HMT tractor in the working and driving modes were investigated as follows; For the stepwise change of the drawbar load in the working mode, the tractor and engine speeds were maintained at the desired values by the engine torque and HSU stroke control. In the driving mode, the tractor followed the desired speed through the control of the engine torque and HSU stroke. In this case, the engine operated near the OOL (optimal operating line) for the minimum fuel consumption within the shift range of HMT. Conclusions: A simulator for the HMT tractor was developed. The simulations were conducted under two operation conditions. It was found that the tractor speed and the engine speed are maintained at the desired values through the control of the engine torque and the HSU stroke.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 1990

An automatic guidance system based upon two position-measurement systems was designed to record where the tractor traveled and to guide the tractor along the predetermined path. An algorithm, using the kinematic behavior of tractor movement, was developed to determine the steering angle to reduce lateral position error. The algorithm was based upon constant travel speed, constant steering rate, and zero slip angles of the tractor wheels. The algorithm was evaluated through use of computer simulation and verified in field experiments. Results showed that the distance interval between position measurements was an important factor in guidance system performance. The position-measurement error of the guidance system must be less than 5 cm to be acceptably precise for field operations. An algorithm based upon a variable steering rate might improve the stability of the guidance system. More accurate measurement of tractor position and yaw angle, and faster error processing are required to improve the field performance of the guidance system.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.549-555
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to estimate the required number of yard tractor on port container terminal. The number of yard tractor is the bottleneck factor on the efficiency of container terminal. Due to the change in travel speed and travel distance, the efficiency is difficult to estimate. The efficiency of yard tractor is estimated by the proposed simulation model that developed considering the queueing network between container crane and transfer crane. The number of yard tractor per container crane is estimated by the alternative analysis. And to determine the number of yard tractor per container crane, the performance measure such as the distance between berth and yard, the speed of yard tractor are simulated.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery Conference
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• 1993.10a
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• pp.1196-1201
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• 1993

Test of Caterpillar Challenger 65 tractor which has rubber tracks, and articulated four wheel drive tractor with dual wheels and a mechanical front wheel drive tractor were conducted on an unplowed and plouwed wheat stubble field. The following parameters were analyzed : tractive efficiency (ηv), net tractive coefficient ($\phi$n), slip ($\sigma$) , drawbar pull(Fv), drawbar power (Pv) and forward velocity(v). The maximum net tractive coefficient was established at the tractive efficiency of 0.60 on the unplowed wheat stubble field : for the Challenger 65 tractor 0.855 ; 4WD 0.624 and MFWD 0.534 and on the plowed wheat stubble field with the tractive efficiency of 0.40 for the Challenger 65 tractor 0.82 : 4WD 0.57 and for tractor MFWD 0.48.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery Conference
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• 1993.10a
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• pp.801-809
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• 1993

This paper presents the design of an automatic propellant system model in order to improving tractive performance of tractor. The theoretical basis of automatic control , the characteristics and function of the system, and the kinematic analysis are also discussed.