Agricultural tractor efficiency development as a sustainable model and evaluating the implementation of its automation operations: a case study

This study examines the evolution of agricultural tractor performance from 1989 to 2024, focusing on productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability amidst increasing tractor size and portfolio complexity. A novel ‘virtual reference implement’ is introduced to shift from traditional industry metrics, such as power output and fuel consumption, to user-centric indicators like area productivity and fuel consumption per hectare. Using data from the OECD tractor testing protocols, the study applies linear and polynomial regressions to model the evolution of key performance variables. Results show a 1.65-fold increase in productivity, a 1.06-fold improvement in fuel efficiency, and substantial reductions in emissions, with NMHC + NOx decreasing by a factor of 8.6 and particulate matter by 11.6. These findings highlight the role of technological advancements, including the virtual reference implement, in enhancing both performance and environmental sustainability in agricultural tractors.