Buhler 2425, 2335, 2290, 2375, 2360 manual Rolling Resistance, Tractor Weight Distribution, 158

SECTION 2 - OPERATION

Rolling Resistance

The greatest loss of engine power occurs in the area of traction factors such as rolling resistance and wheel slippage. Those losses will occur in any and every practical traction situation.

Therefore, choosing the right amount of weight is the first step. Too little weight permits excessive wheel slippage while too much weight increases soil compaction and rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is the power required to roll the tractor’s tires forward with no load except weight.

Tractor Weight Distribution

Although Buhler Versatile 4WD tractors are manufactured with an approximate weight distribution of 65% to 67% over the front axle and 33% to 35% over the rear axle, the intent of the design is to have the tractor operating in the field with an ideal 50/50 dynamic weight distribution.

The benefits of operating a tractor in the field under the ideal 50/50 dynamic weight distribution are:

1.The work is divided equally between the axles, allowing a more even distribution of work and load.

2.Compaction is lessened since the axles are the lightest force possible on the soil. If a 13,636 kg (30,000-lb.) tractor has a 50/50 split, each axle exerts a force of 6,818 kg (15,000 lbs.). A 60/40 split would create an 8,182 kg (18,000-lb.) force under the heavier axle, increasing the compaction by 1364 kg (3000 lbs.).

3.Maximum traction, with the least rolling resistance, is gained by distributing the load equally between both axles.

4.With the total tractor weight equally divided (under load) on all four wheels, you increase reliability by spreading the torque output of the tractor equally to all four wheels. The greatest torque always goes to the wheels with the most weight.

2-158