Publication | Closed Access
Automatic Control of Tractor Transmission Ratio and Engine Speed
29
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References
1984
Year
Energy Efficient DriveEngineeringMotor DriveVehicle ControlMechatronicsAutomationMechanical SystemsPlanetary TransmissionSystems EngineeringElectrical DriveHard-wired Control SystemAutomotive ElectronicsTransmission SystemTractor Transmission RatioControl Technology
ABSTRACT A tractor with a planetary transmission was equipped with an axle torque sensor and with a control handle by which the operator indicated the desired forward speed. A hard-wired control system was developed which used these two input signals and varied both transmission ratio and engine speed to give either the most fuel-efficient operating conditions at the forward speed desired or the highest rate of drawbar work, within the power capabilities of the tractor engine. Both the design features and the performance characteristics of the system are described. Preliminary field tests showed a 5 to 12% decrease in fuel consumption from that obtained by the most efficient of the two professional operators taking part in the tests. The simplicity of the operating principles of this control system is compatible with the practical incorporation of such a system in future tractor designs.