Citation

Muhaemin M, Koike M, Takigawa T, Yoda A. Trans. ASAE/ASABE 1999; 42(5): 1239-1248.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In line with the trend of decreasing the specific mass of agricultural tractors, aluminum alloy has been experimentally used for tractor model frame to attain mass reduction. This article attempts a practical approach to mass reduction by modifying the previously developed aluminum model. A new model was first developed by minimizing the mass of an I-type side-member and its corresponding cross-members. Static strength, stiffness, and natural frequency of the frame were examined by numerical simulation using the finite element method (FEM). Compared with the steel model, results showed that the new aluminum model saved mass by 28%, increased its strength by 1.5 times and retained its stiffness at the same level. Furthermore, the first five modes of its natural frequency were found to be little different from the ones of steel. Issues related to safety are discussed.