An instrumentation system to measure the loads acting on the tractor PTO bearing during rotary tillage

摘要

Application of rotary tillage has been increased due to less tillage passes required, reduced draft, and greater efficiency through reduction in wheel slippage. Early failure of the bearing of tractor power take-off (PTO) shaft was observed in tractors of power range 30-35 horsepower during rotary tillage. An instrumentation setup involving an extended octagonal ring transducer (EORT) was developed and installed at the bottom of the bearing to measure the axial load and the vertical component of the radial load. The horizontal component of radial load was measured by strain gauges. Based on measured loads, the bearing life was assessed. Independent variables were: operating depth, number of blades, gear set-ting, engine speed, and tyre size. The average axial and radial loads varied from 786-3869 N, and 134- 430 N, respectively. However, bearing experienced very high peak loads during each trial. The peak axial and radial loads was recorded between 1081-7534 N and 566-1794 N, respectively. The estimated bear-ing life based on peak loads was 171.98-28341.39 h. Based on the findings, it may be concluded that the average loads were not sufficient to cause quick failure of PTO bearing, rather sudden peak loads might be the root cause of early failure. (c) 2021 ISTVS. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.