Development of A Ring Transducer for Measuring Tractor Front End Reaction

Tractive ability of a tractor is normally affected by soil reactions against the front and rear wheels. Weight transfer or weight shift is, in fact, reaction transfer or change in the reactions of front and rear wheels of the tractor. Weight transfer because of drawbar loading decreases soil reaction against the front wheels and increases reaction against the rearwheels, thus, adding maximum drawbar pull which the tractor can produce, all other parameters remain constant. A study was done to measure the dynamic front wheel reaction of the tractor which is required to determine the weight transfer from front to the rear wheel of a tractor. Aring transducer was developed and attached below the tractor's front axle to measure the front wheel reaction. The tensile force coming in the transducer is directly proportional to the weight on the front axle. Linearity of the transducer bridge output voltage with the load on front axle j ustifies the suitability of the transducer for the purpose of meausuring front wheel reaction of tractor. As the transducer consists of only four strain gauges which can be easily affixed at the specific location on the ring, it becomes simple, easy to install, low in cost and reliable transducer. It occupies a little space below the front axle and doesn't hinder the normal working of tractor.