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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #229858
Title: Effects of Transmission Speed Selection on Equipment Performance and Utilizing Spatial Equipment Performance Data for Management Decisions

Author
item Kichler, Corey
item FULTON, J - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item Raper, Randy
item ZECH, W - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item MCDONALD, T - AUBURN UNIVERSITY
item Schwab, Eric

Submitted to: Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2008
Publication Date: 7/31/2008
Citation: Kichler, C.M., Fulton, J.P., Raper, R.L., Zech, W.C., Mcdonald, T.P., Schwab, E.B. 2008. Effects of Transmission Speed Selection on Equipment Performance and Utilizing Spatial Equipment Performance Data for Management Decisions. In: Proceedings of the Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference for Sustainable Agriculture. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: With fuel prices on the rise, farmers are looking for ways to decrease fuel usage and increase productivity. An experiment was performed that investigated the effects of using 3 different transmission gears with 2 different tillage implements. Three different speed ranges were achieved which included: slow, normal, and fast operating speeds. The results showed that equipment performance including draft, fuel consumption, and axle torque were affected by speed treatments. This research proved that operational variables such as transmission speed can be adjusted to optimize performance and improve the bottom line for agricultural producers.

Technical Abstract: With fuel prices reaching all time highs, producers are searching for ways to decrease fuel usage and increase productivity. Adjustment of tractor operational variables including gear selection can optimize fuel usage and improve productivity during tillage operations. Spatial equipment performance data can also be utilized to make management decisions regarding equipment and field performance. The objectives of this research were: 1) Investigate the effects of three transmission speeds (1.9, 3.6, and 5.2 mph) on equipment performance for two subsoilers, 2) Demonstrate the possibilities of using spatial equipment performance data for management decisions.