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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #153500
Title: EFFECTS OF CENTRAL TIRE INFLATION SYSTEMS ON RIDE QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES

Author
item ADAMS, B - UNIV OF MO
item REID, J - JOHN DEERE
item HUMMEL, JOHN
item ZHANG, Q - UNIV OF IL
item HOEFT, R - UNIV OF IL

Submitted to: Terramechanics Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2004
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Tire inflation pressure is a major factor in the stress experienced by operators 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 test course to evaluate the effect of reduced tire inflation pressure (available through the use of CTIS) on ride quality. As compared to properly inflated tires (based on typical transport speeds), the decrease in tire inflation pressure achieved by using CTIS showed an average ride quality improvement of 99%. When the vertical displacement inputs from the test tracks were not forcing the vibration at the natural frequency of the tractor with the lowered tire inflation pressures, the ride quality improvement averaged 177%. Equipping agricultural vehicles with CTIS would improve the health and alertness of operators and extend the amount of time that they could effectively and safely operate the vehicle.

Technical Abstract: Instrumentation to collect ISO2631 ride data was installed on a CaseIH 8950 tractor equipped with a central tire inflation system. Data were collected at two speeds on three courses representing degraded secondary roads, moderately rough fields, and the toughest of farming conditions. Reductions in tire pressures available with central tire inflation resulted in greater tire deflections and, consequently, a smoother ride. The central tire inflation system improved the ride of the vehicle by 99% over properly inflated tires on average, and by 177% when not in resonance.