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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #138286
Title: IMPACT OF A CENTRAL TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM ON TRACTION AND COMPACTION BY AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES

Author
item ADAMS, B - UNIV OF MO
item REID, J - JOHN DEER TECHN. CENTER
item Hummel, John
item ZHANG, Q - UNIV OF IL
item HOEFT, R - UNIV OF IL

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Tire inflation pressure is a major factor in the traction and mobility of agricultural tractors during field operations. Tire inflation pressure must be set for the maximum speed, typically encountered during transport, to avoid damage to the tire from excessive heat buildup. A central tire inflation system (CTIS) can rapidly lower tire inflation pressure in preparation for field operations, and then quickly increase pressure again to reduce tire damage during high-speed transport. Tests were conducted on a typical soil in the US Cornbelt to evaluate the effect of CTIS on tractor efficiency, and soil compaction. As compared to properly inflated tires (based on typical transport speeds), the decrease in tire inflation pressure achieved by using CTIS resulted in a 2% improvement in traction, a 10% decrease in rut depth, and a slight improvement in cone index in the top 15 cm (6 in.) of soil. Benefits for of addition of CTIS on large agricultural tractors could increase tractive efficiency, reduce the need for dual rear tires, and reduce soil compaction. Benefits to producers include improved crop root growth and yield, and improved water infiltration. Consumers would benefit through reduced runoff and erosion.

Technical Abstract: A central tire inflation system (CTIS) and instrumentation to measure performance were installed on a tractor and used to evaluate vehicle performance by measuring tractive performance and compaction. Field tests were conducted on a silty loam soil with single and dual rear tires at four tire inflation pressures and at two soil compaction levels. Data were collected and evaluated to drawbar power, traction ratio, power delivery efficiency, and wheel slip. Soil bulk density, soil moisture and cone penetrometer data were collected to characterize soil conditions during the tests. As compared to properly inflated tires (based on typical transport speeds), the decrease in tire inflation pressure achieved by using CTIS resulted in a 2% improvement in traction, a 10% decrease in rut depth, and a slight improvement in cone index in the top 15 cm (6 in.) of soil.