Fuel consumption efficiency of an agricultural tractor equipped with continuously variable transmission

ABSTRACT: The correct choice of modern power transmissions can help farmers decrease production costs. The following research aimed to assess fuel consumption efficiency of an agricultural tractor equipped with continuously variable transmission, at different travel speed and load levels applied on the tractor drawbar. Standard procedure has been applied considering six load levels (30; 40; 50; 60; 70 and 80% of Q0) by means of breaking with a dynamometer car instrumented in a concrete test track, at three travel speeds (5.16; 7.29 and 10.48km h-1). Throughout the experiment, engine speed, traction force and hourly fuel consumption were monitored. The results indicated that there was an average increase of 2.67; 2.82; and 2.61L h-1 in the hourly fuel consumption for each 10% increase in the load level on the tractor, for travel speed of 5.16; 7.29 and 10.48km h-1, respectively. In general, the specific fuel consumption of the tractor decreased as the load levels and the travel speeds were increased.