Indirect determination of tractor tractive efficiency

tive efficiency of farm tractors can lead to an increase in tractor productivity and fiiel savings. To optimize tractive efficiency, the value of this efficiency should be monitored as the soil strength and travel reduction vaiy. This paper presents an indirect method of deter minationof the tractor tractive efficiency from the measured drawbar pull and travel reduction. The method was based on the traction ratio equation developed by Wismer and Luth (1973). A tractor traction index was defined. This index was used as a substitute for the soil cone index and advantages of this traction index are described. Field tests werecarried out to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of the method. Results showed agreement between the direct-determined and the indirect-determined tractive efficiency