Energy needs of a planter at different travel and engine speeds

Abstract

The operating speed of the tractor influences various aspects, including fuel consumption, operational capacity and sowing quality. This study aimed to assess the energy needs of a tractor-planter when sowing maize in a no-tillage system, according to its travel speed and the rotation speed of the motor shaft. The 12 treatments consisted of four travel speeds, obtained by staggering the gears, and three tractor-engine rotation speeds. During sowing, the speed of operation, engine speed, the traction force and hourly consumption of fuel were monitored. The results showed that the average power requirement on the drawbar per seeding row, groove depth, and worked area, increased with an increase in the operating speeds of the mechanism. Hourly fuel consumption went up with the increase in operating and engine-rotation speeds, being lowest at a speed of 1,500 rpm.