WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION ALONG THE AXLES OF FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TRACTORS OF CLASSIC LAYOUT

The optimal weight distribution between the front and rear axles of a tractor is determined using a significant number of technical parameters, such as layout, its weight, wheelbase, center of gravity position, hitch design, tire type and dimension, engine power and transmission type. In operations with high traction forces, additional vertical loading of the rear axle wheels occurs, and when working with low traction resistance and operating mechanisms, a different weight distribution will be optimal. (Research Purpose) The research purpose is analyzing the weight distribution along the tractor axles and determine the connection of traction efficiency with the 4k4a wheel formula. (Materials and methods) Conducted research based on a systematic analysis of the size and mass parameters of modern wheeled tractors of Russian and foreign production. Test reports of tractors at machine testing stations were used. (Results and discussion) The analysis of the indicators of 230 all-wheel drive samples of tractor equipment of the classic layout of traction class 2, 3 and 4, respectively, 45, 76 and 40 models, was carried out. It was found that a higher load on the front axle is typical for class 0.6 and 0.9 machines. It was revealed how the nature of the weight distribution of the tractor along the axles affects the conversion of engine power into traction force. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the value of the traction efficiency to a small extent depends on the nature of the distribution of its weight between the front and rear axles introduced into the tractor design. (Conclusions) Based on the analysis, it was concluded that the average load distribution between the front and rear axles of the tractor is 40.8ː 59.2. A higher load on the front axle is typical for class 0.6 and 0.9 machines. The nature of the distribution of the operating weight of the tractor between the front and rear axles has little effect on its traction efficiency.