|
A tractor
owner asks...
| What
do I need to consider when matching my implement needs to my tractor? |
|
Implement
matching is a key component of maximizing productivity and efficiency
of your operation. Accomplishing this, however, is more than
just sizing the implement to the tractor.
A few
more things to consider to improve tractor and implement performance
- Calculate
the power required for the implement.
- Calculate
the correct tractor ballasting and select appropriate tires
- Determine
the hydraulic and electrical requirements.
Equally
important is consideration of whether the tractor is sized for
your operation.
Some
factors to consider in sizing the tractor to your operation
- What
is the primary operation for the tractor? This will help determine
the size, ballast and tire requirements.
- Will
the size of the operation increase or decrease in the future?
If the answer is ‘yes’ then consider that into the
tractor requirements.
|
- How many
days do you have available to use the tractor to complete
field work in a timely basis? Be prepared for the year that
the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- How many
acres need to be covered? What speed is recommended for the
implement? This will allow you to calculate the appropriate
width of the implement and size the tractor accordingly
Implement
matching guidelines
1. Select
a properly sized tractor. Determine the available drawbar horsepower
and select the implement accordingly.
- As a
general rule, PTO horsepower is approximately 86% of engine
horsepower.
- As a
general rule, drawbar horsepower is approximately 86% of PTO
horsepower.
2. Maintain
a reasonable ground speed.
- Select
operating speeds in the range of 4 to 7 mph.
3. Maintain
reasonable slippage.
- 8% -
12% for bias ply tires
- 5% -
7% for radial tire
|
Calculating the correct
tractor size
|
Acres per hour
|
Total
acres to cover
# of work days x avg. hours per day
Consideration
for multiple passes across the same field must be included such
as tillage and planting.
|
| Acres
per day |
Avg.
hours per day x acres per hour
|
|
Width of implement
- Convert acres
per day into sq. ft. per day
- Calculate distance
traveled per day in feet
- Calculate the
width of the implement
|
Sq. ft.
per day = Acres per day x 43,560 sq. ft.
Feet per
day = mph x avg. hours per day x 5,280 feet
| Width
of implement |
=
|
sq.
ft. per day
feet per day
|
1 mile =
5,280 feet
1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft.
|
| Total
draft of implement |
Width of
implement x lbs. of draft per foot
Utilize
the draft chart to determine draft per foot.
|
| Drawbar
horsepower |
Total
draft (lbs.) x speed (mph)
375 factor
375 is the
standard unit conversion used to determine drawbar horsepower.
|
Draft
Chart
|
Type
of implement
|
Approximate
lbs. of
draft per foot
of implement width for a specific soil type
|
|
.
|
Light
|
Medium
|
Heavy
|
|
.
|
lbs.
|
lbs.
|
lbs.
|
| Chisel
plow – 8 inches deep |
200
|
500
|
800
|
|
Field
cultivators
|
150
|
400
|
650
|
|
Light
tandem disks1
|
300
|
200
|
100
|
|
Heavy
tandem disks1
|
750
|
450
|
250
|
|
Offset
disks1
|
1,600
|
1,400
|
1,200
|
|
Moldboard
plows – 8 inches deep
|
350
|
950
|
1,250
|
|
V-rippers
|
1,700
|
2,800
|
3,900
|
1Values in
chart represent disks used for primary tillage with gauge wheels
fully raised.
|
Type
of implement
|
Approximate
lbs. of
draft per foot
of implement width for a specific soil type
|
|
.
|
Light
|
Medium
|
Heavy
|
|
.
|
lbs.
|
lbs.
|
lbs.
|
| Light
tandem disks2 |
100
|
200
|
300
|
|
Heavy
tandem disks2
|
250
|
450
|
750
|
| Offset
disks2 |
1,200
|
1,400
|
1,600
|
2Values
in chart represent disks used for secondary tillage with gauge wheels
fully lowered.
Example:
1,000 acre farm
Tillage application - Chisel (8 inches deep)
10 days to complete tillage
10 hours per day is average
Field speed 5 mph
Specific soil type is medium
500 lbs. of draft per foot
|
Acres per hour
10
|
1,000
acres
10 days x 10 hours per day
|
| Acres
per day 100 |
10
hours per day x 10 acres per hour
|
|
Width of implement
- Convert acres
per day into sq. ft. per day:
4,356,000 sq. ft. per day
- Calculate
distance traveled per day in feet:
264,000 feet per day
- Calculate
the width of the implement:
16.5 feet wide
|
Sq. ft.
per day = 100 acres per day x 43,560 sq ft
Feet per
day = 5 mph x 10 avg. hours per day x 5,280 feet
| Width
of implement |
=
|
4,356,00
sq. ft. per
264,000 ft. per day
|
|
|
Total draft
of implement
8,250 lbs. of
draft
|
16.5 feet
width of implement x 500 lbs. of draft per foot
Utilize
the draft chart to determine draft per foot.
|
|
Drawbar horsepower
110 horsepower
required
|
8,250
lbs. of draft x 5 mph
375 factor
375 is
the standard unit conversion used to determine drawbar horsepower.
|
The next step
would be to select a tractor that would provide at least 110 drawbar
horsepower. As a general rule you would calculate at a couple different
field speeds depending on your application. Additionally consider
what percentage of horsepower utilization you will plan to use in
the application. Calculate this pecentage against the available
drawbar horsepower of the tractor to size the tractor correctly.
If you have
any questions, contact your local New Holland dealer.
| How
can I get my equipment ready for winter storage? |
|
The
winter months are a great time to get ahead of the spring
rush and get your units ready for the next growing and harvesting
season.
WINTER STORAGE
CHECKLIST
- Variable
speed drives and belts
Make sure all variable speed drives are
lubricated, run through the cycle and reduced to lower
speeds so the belts and springs are more relaxed for the
winter storage season. That is also a good time to check
belt condition and tension springs for proper adjustment.
- Chains
and sprockets
Before storing a machine, go through and
lubricate all chains with a good lubricant, and check
the sprockets to make sure they are not worn too badly.
Also check the tension and any spring-loaded idlers to
make sure they are in good condition.
|
- Augers,
elevators, and tanks
Clean out all material from auger beds
and elevator boots to make sure there is no damage to
these troughs and shields. This also allows you to look
at the condition of augers and chains and paddles, and
replace those that are damaged or show excessive wear.
- Contact
your dealer
Contact your New Holland dealer for WinterFix
specials. Many dealers run parts and service specials
to inspect equipment for worn out parts and to catch any
warranty or repair needs before the next season.
|
|
