Citation

Göhlich H. J. Agric. Eng. Res. 1984; 29(1): 3-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0021-8634(84)90055-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Consideration is given to the improvement of farm production including the problems of energy shortage and the possibility of replacing some fossil energy through the conversion of biomass. The tractors of today and their future development are considered within three areas: information monitoring and power transfer to give low soil compaction, operating costs and purchase price; the possibilities of versatile application and convenient implement coupling systems and increased driver comfort and improved protection. To improve the economy of field production, better information on the tractor and implement operating system is required. The sensing and evaluation of information will become a helpful procedure for tractor operators. The total weight of field machines should be as low as possible in order to reduce soil compaction, operating costs and purchase price. The most universal application of tractors will be achieved by improved front and rear implement coupling systems. The convenience of hydraulic power transfer will lead to an extended application of hydraulics and electro-hydraulic control circuits. So-called system tractors may replace some of the standard tractors of today in certain applications. Driver comfort requires further improvement for all vehicles. These improvement will be concerned mainly with reducing vibration on agricultural tractors designed for higher speeds, particularly for transport purposes. Total cab suspension systems and front axle suspensions will provide increased comfort and safety. Complete solutions for replacing the driver are not to be expected in the near future.

Language: en