Tire inflation and its influence on drawbar characteristics and performance – Energetic indicators of a tractor set

This work deals with the influence of tire inflation on tractive characteristics and performance-energetic parameters of a ploughing set. The test was conducted using two tire sets with different tire pressures under field conditions. Measurements of tractive properties were performed by setting travel speeds to 5, 8, and 10 kph, respectively. The ploughing set was operated at 8 kph, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. The measurement results were processed graphically and mathematically into the Vehicle Traction Ratio, drawbar power, and slip characteristics. The tire inflation, reduced from 180 to 65 kPa and/or 75 kPa, of tires with wide treads (low-profile) resulted in increase of the front tire footprint by 24.7% and rear tire footprint by 31.1%. This change had a positive impact on the specific tractive fuel consumption that decreased in the range from 3.4% to 16.0%, depending on the travel speed. The results of performed measurements revealed that reducing the tire inflation of appropriate tires can improve the drawbar characteristics and consequently the fuel consumption.