Tractors and Farm Engine Systems

AI25405:

Tractors and Farm Engine Systems

Course Objective:

To impart knowledge on the construction, operation and performance evaluation of tractors, power tillers and earth moving equipment used in agriculture.

Tractor Engine and Engine Systems: Classification of tractors; construction and working of IC engines and components - Air, fuel, cooling, lubrication, and electrical systems with valve timing concepts.

Practical:

1. Study of engine components (diesel and petrol) and Dismantling and assembly of diesel engine.

Transmission, Steering and Braking Systems

Transmission systems – clutch, gear box (sliding mesh, constant mesh and synchromesh); differential, final drive and wheels; steering geometry and steering systems; front axle and wheel alignment; braking systems – types and working principles.

Practical:

2. Study of clutch and gearbox systems, steering, differential, and braking systems

Hydraulic Systems and Tractor Performance

Hydraulic systems – working principles, hydraulic pumps and control valves; three-point linkage; draft and position control; weight transfer; theory of traction and tractive efficiency; tractor chassis mechanics; longitudinal and lateral stability; operator controls, visibility and ergonomics; Power Take Off (PTO) system.

Practical:

3. Study of hydraulic system and three-point linkage mechanism – draft and position control operation.

4. Determination of tractor tractive efficiency / demonstration of weight transfer and traction characteristics.

Power Tillers, Bulldozers and Tractor Testing

Power tiller – special features, clutch, gear box, steering and braking systems; makes of tractors, power tillers and bulldozers; bulldozer – salient features, turning mechanism, track mechanism and operations; tractor and power tiller testing – types of tests, need for testing and evaluation; test codes for performance testing as per BIS/IS standards.

Practical:

5. Study of power tiller systems and tractor testing procedures

Tasks:

1. Design and analyze a tractor subsystem (engine, transmission, or hydraulic system) with detailed component study, working principles, and performance evaluation.

2. Conduct a study (experimental/demo/data-based) on tractor performance such as tractive efficiency, fuel consumption, or PTO performance and interpret the results.

3. Prepare a detailed report based on a field visit/workshop study covering tractor systems, power tillers, or bulldozers, including testing procedures and scope for improvement.

Weightage: Continuous Assessment: 50%, End Semester Examinations: 50%

Methodology for Continuous Assessment: Quiz (5%), Project (15%), Assignment Programs (25%), Practical (25%), Internal Examinations (30%)

References:

1. Bainer, R., Kepner, R.A. and Barger, E.L., Principles of Farm Machinery, 3rd Edition, CBS Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi, 2013.

2. Liljedahl, J.B., Turnquist, P.K., Smith, D.W. and Hoki, M., Tractors and Their Power Units, 4th Edition, AVI Publishing Company, Connecticut, 2012.

3. Ojha, T.P. and Michael, A.M., Principles of Agricultural Engineering, Vol. I, Jain Brothers, New Delhi, 2016.

4. Nakra, C.P., Farm Machines and Equipment, Dhanpat Rai & Sons, New Delhi, 2014.

5. IS 12207: Test Code for Agricultural Tractors, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

6. IS 12207:1999, Agricultural Tractors -Test Code, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi.

7. IS 11859:1986, Agricultural Tractors - Power Take-Off and Drawbar Performance Test Code, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi.

8. IS 13539:1993, Power Tillers -Test Code, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi.

9. IS 9935:1981, Power Tillers - Terminology, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi

10. IS 12733:1990, Power Tillers - Specifications, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi.