Strength Test for Pre-ROPS Tractor Axle Housings

Abstract

SUMMARY Tractor rollovers are a major cause of farm-related deaths. A rollover protective structure (ROPS) dramatically reduces fatalities during tractor overturns. However, pre-ROPS (before ROPS were available) tractor axle housings were not designed to support the ROPS. This paper presents the strength test investigating pre-ROPS tractor axle housings, evaluating their suitability for accepting reliable ROPS. The factor of safety between longitudinal yield torque of the axle housing and the maximum torque subjected during ASAE S519 longitudinal static test is determined. The relationship between twisting angle and torque of the axle housing is established. The results show that a particular pre-ROPS axle housing can successfully support the ROPS with a safety factor of about two. The test was conducted in accordance to ASAE Standard S519 on a single axle housing.