Analysis of Factors Affecting the Operational Reliability of Electric Mini‐Tractor Transmissions

ABSTRACT This study investigates the main factors determining the operational reliability of electric mini‐tractor transmissions to identify the most effective design solutions and develop recommendations for improving their durability and operational efficiency. The research is based on an integrated approach, including a systematic analysis of scientific publications on electric transmissions for agricultural machinery, a comparative assessment of different transmission architectures, engineering calculations of traction and power parameters, an analysis of thermal operating conditions and lubrication performance, and the application of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to evaluate the failure risks of transmission components. The engineering calculations showed that the use of a twin‐motor transmission with a planetary gearbox reduces the design torque of the traction motor to 82.7% compared with the conventional single‐motor configuration while maintaining the required traction performance. The analysis of thermal operating conditions, based on published studies and lubricant manufacturers recommendations, demonstrated that transmission oil temperatures above 82°C accelerate lubricant degradation and reduce the service life of transmission components. The analysis of operational loads indicated that short‐term shock loads occurring during operation on heterogeneous soils can reach 2.5–3 times the rated torque. The FMEA results identified the most critical transmission failure modes and established their priority according to the Risk Priority Number (RPN). These findings provide a basis for selecting a rational transmission architecture, identifying the most significant reliability risk factors, and developing engineering recommendations to improve the design, reliability, and maintenance of electric mini‐tractors.