Advance traction analysis for enhancing tractor performance in sustainable agriculture

Future main challenges will be focused on enhancing agricultural sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of tillage operations. Indeed, up to one-third of the energy required to perform these agricultural practices consists of direct energy sources, such as diesel fuel. Therefore, optimising tractor performance during real on-field use is crucial for lowering fuel consumption and boosting productivity. This study aims to provide a global overview of traction analysis by performing tests with the most recent tractor and sensor technologies evaluating the impact of tyre technology and test conditions to enhance sustainable farming practices. Firstly, to assess the effects of the testing procedures on the data collected through traction tests two main traction test procedures, transient and steady-state, were analysed. These two procedures were not formerly compared using a full tractor. Results indicate that power delivery efficiency varies while both procedures generate similar maximum drawbar forces. However, the steady-state procedure shows more consistent results but requires more land. Employing the most suitable traction test procedure, an extensive field campaign was conducted using a modern tractor equipped with continuously variable transmission and various tyre technologies. Thus, the impact of tyre technologies, tyre pressure, total tractor mass, tyre dimensions, weight distribution and soil type on traction and efficiency were examined. Findings highlight the significant influence of the first three factors on tractor fuel consumption and efficiency. Subsequently, a further field campaign was conducted to analyse the draft force required by different tillage implements on various soil textures. The goal was to use the traction test results to identify the most convenient total tractor mass during tillage operations maximising efficiency and productivity. The study’s results offer valuable insights for developing specific on-board traction control strategies.