METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING TRACTOR TRACTION PROPERTIES UNDER UNSTABLE COUPLING WEIGHT

Abstract Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to increase the efficiency of using the tractor hitch weight in traction mode by reducing the uneven distribution of vertical reactions between the wheels. Research methods. The methodological basis of the work is the generalization and analysis of known scientific results regarding the theory of the tractor in traction mode. Analytical method and comparative analysis were used to form a scientific problem, determine the goal and set research objectives. When creating empirical models of the tractor, the main provisions of the theory of probabilities were used. The results of the study. The main provisions of the methodology for evaluating the traction properties of the tractor with the instability of the coupling weight have been formulated. The method of evaluating the vertical reactions on the wheels of the tractor is substantiated, which is based on the measurement of the vertical reaction on one of the four wheels. It has been proven that tractors with lubrication to the front or rear axles of the center of mass have the greatest probability of equal distribution of vertical reactions between the wheels of the same axle, while tractors with the center of mass in the middle between the axles have the lowest probability. It is theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed that when the tractor performs plowing work with uneven distribution of loads on the sides, its operation with maximum traction efficiency is ensured by blocking the front and rear axle drivers. Conclusion. A well-founded methodology for evaluating the influence of the position of the tractor’s center of mass on its traction properties. The issue of evaluating the influence of the tractor’s center of mass on its traction properties when aggregated with mounted, trailed and combined agricultural machines remains open. Key words: tractor, traction properties, coupling weight, center of mass, vertical reactions, driving bridges, blocking.