A theoretical and experimental study of the traction properties of agricultural gantry systems

The movement conditions experienced by an agricultural gantry system along the solid and level ground surface of permanent artificial tracks must make it possible to generate most of its maximum tractive force. Concurrently, the adhesive ability of the agricultural gantry system on the ground surface of such permanent artificial tracks must be sufficient to generate nominal drawbar pull when working at a certain level of slip. This means that there exists the need to seek out the following compromise: the maximum slippage experienced by the wheeled chassis of an agricultural gantry system must be such that, in a situation in which the level of adhesion with the surface of permanent artificial tracks is suitable, it will be able to generate the maximum possible tractive force. The effect of the parameters that involve an agricultural gantry system's wheels – and the physical and mechanical properties of the ground surface along which they move – on potential slippage has not yet been sufficiently studied. This effect cannot be taken into consideration without taking into account the dynamics of any rolling resistance being offered by the agricultural gantry system's chassis. The purpose of this particular study is to research the traction properties of an agricultural gantry system's wheeled chassis in terms of its movement along compacted and level ground upon which have been mounted permanent artificial tracks. The research determines that the wheels of such an agricultural gantry system that are rolling along permanent artificial tracks suffer less slippage and therefore generate a higher level of tractive force. As a result, the agricultural gantry system loses less of its speed of movement and, therefore, uses less energy in that movement. When an agricultural gantry system moves across an agricultural field that has been prepared for sowing, the research also determines the maximum tractive force that its wheels can develop when the adhesion coefficient is set at a figure that is between 0.22–0.24. Once such movement begins along permanent artificial tracks, this coefficient decreases to between 0.15–0.17. An agricultural gantry system's wheels are able to generate a higher level of tractive force when moving along on permanent artificial tracks. This figure is at least 30% higher when its movement has to be considered across an agricultural field that has been prepared for sowing.