Selecting the most appropriate tractor using Analytic Hierarchy Process – An Iranian case study

AbstractWith regard to the importance of selecting an appropriate tractor in rural areas which is one of the main tasks for most farmers, the aim of this study is to select the best tractor in Ghaemshahr and Ahvaz cities of Iran. The methodology of the paper is descriptive-analytic and data were collected through library and field works (interviews and questionnaires). The statistic population of this study was 25 tractors in Ghaemshahr and Ahvaz, in that 15 tractors were chosen randomly, and the data were analyzed using AHP (analytic hierarchy process). The results showed that the maximum effect regarding the selection of tractor belonged to the maintenance with 49.4% and the minimum went to ergonomic effect with 7% in Ahvaz and the maximum effect was related to price with 29.6% and the minimum went to ergonomic effect with 6.8%. ITM285 and Romania 650 with 83% were the best tractors in Ahvaz and John Deere 6150 with 83% was the best tractor in Ghaemshahr city. Incompatibility ratio for all the comparisons was zero, so the criteria are completely compatible with the aims and options