Testing of Agricultural Tractors

And Interpretation of Test Results

1
Tractor Testing
 LANDMARKS IN CFMTTI JOURNEY

• Established in 1955 as Training Institute for Agricultural

Machinery.
• Testing of tractors and farm machinery started in 1960.
• 1st Tractor tested, Renault in 1961
• Accredited by Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), an international body for testing of
tractors under OECD standards for export purpose in 1987
• Ministry of Surface Transport and High Ways authorized to
test and issue Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR)
Certificates in 1989.
• Facility for testing of exhaust mass emission of diesel engine
of tractor and construction Equipment added in 2006

3
 OBJECTIVES OF TESTING
TESTING, EVALUATION AND
CERTIFICATION
OF
Tractors, implements, engines, pumps and
other agricultural machines manufactured
within the country or imported for
functional suitability and performance
characteristics and publish the report
thereof
• To decide the type of machine best suited for Indian
conditions for import, production and popularisation
• To help the consumers,extension workers and
distributors to compare the machines available in the
market.
• Collect the basic data for benchmarking and
standardizations.
• Helps financial institutions in recommending financial
assistance to the manufacturers as well as the farmers.
• To carry out trials on machines and implements which
have proved to be successful in other regions of the
world with a view to examining the possibility of their
introduction in the country.
• To ensure quality through `Batch Testing’ programmes
and also assist the manufacturers in the product
improvement.
• To provide feedback to the manufacturers through
`Users’ Survey’
• To carry out the testing according to OECD and other
international standards to promote the agricultural
machinery and specially tractor for export.
• To provide required input to BIS for formulation the
various standards of Agricultural Machinery and Tractor
• To carryout research and development work in the field
of agriculture machinery and tractor
 Type/ Nature of Test

Commercial Test Confidential Test

Initial Commercial Test

Variant Test

Batch Test

7
 VARIANTS
Single/dual/Dry/Independent clutch / Increase in size of clutch
Specification of Dry/Wet air cleaner, its location etc. subject to intake
pressure to be within declared limits of base model
Location & routing of exhaust system subject to declared limits of
backpressure.
Location and type of operating controls like pedals, gearshift levers,
differential lock etc.
Different types of gear box (With or without synchronizers, constant mesh
etc.) provided the gear ratio and speed remained the same.
Addition of number of speeds with add-on modules and modifications in
gear ratios to meet end customer requirements resulting in variations
less than or equal to 15 % of the theoretical speed in one or more
speeds measured on base model without change in construction of
basic transmission.
Fitment / change of engine accessories such as Air-compressors,
Radiators, Oil coolers, Water separators, Expansion tank with special
coolants, additional hydraulic pumps, fuel tanks etc.
 VARIANTS…..contd.
 Power/ Hydrostatic/ Manual steering systems.
 Type and increase in size of brake systems-disc, Drum, oil Immersed brakes.
 Type of actuation systems for brake and clutch ( Mechanical/ hydraulic/ pneumatic
 Provision of accessories like drawbars, Towing hooks, spark arrestors etc.
Manufacturers may recommend Min. & Max. towing heights.
 Types of Three –point linkages such as categories N 1,2,3,4, of IS, rear or front
mounted
Location and type of PTO shaft (s), standard and optional speeds.
Alternate specification, features and location of Electrical and Instrumentation.
 Different tyre sizes- Front and rear
 2WD or 4WD drive
 Fitment of ROPS, cab ( with or without Air conditioner) & canopy.
 Sheet metal / styling including color changes and decals ( Sticker)
 Position & Type of Hydraulic pump drive.
 . Positioning of Hydraulic sensing mechanism ( like lower link, top link etc.)
 Change related to ergonomics, safety, comfort, statutory/regulatory requirements.
 Front lift, performance remaining within MPS of base model
 DIFFERENCE?
Parameters Confidential ICT Batch (COP) OECD
Regular Production,
Models Prototype/New Prototype/under IC/varient tested
prooved in market/
applicable developments production Production
Prototype with COP
Selection of
Manufacturer Manufacturer Testing Agency Testing Agency
Sample
Test Fees
(revise time to
time)
ApproximateTest
Period, months
Passing Criteria NA MPS MPS NA
Modification Supplimentary test Supplimentary test
If fails Withdraw tractor
allowed for failed system for failed system
Validity of test Till amendment of new
NA Till 1st Batch report Till next Batch report
report specifcations/ norms
World Bank Finance
Can be [Link] Finance [Link] Finance
Benefits & Approval to sale in
coverted to ICT & facilities in India & facilities in India
OECD countries
 PRODUCT TEST CYCLE
NEW PRODUCT
Product
ENGINE EMISSION TEST

TRACTOR CMVR CERTIFICATION RTO REGISTRATION

SUPPL. TEST MPS Fail If MPS OK

INITIAL COMMERCIAL TEST

WITHDRAW MODEL GOVT. FINANCE& BENEFITS

1st BATCH AFTER 3 YRS.

SUPPL. TEST MPS Fail If MPS OK
ND
2 BATCH AFTER 5 YRS.

WITHDRAW MODEL GOVT. FINANCE& BENEFITS

IF DEFECTS CONTINUE IN BATCH IF NO DEFECTS DUIRNG 2 BATCH, THERE IS

MODELS, NEED TO SEND MODELS NO NEED FOR FURTHER BATCH TEST OF
FOR BATCH TEST ALWAYS THAT MODEL
 Tests conducted in ICT as per
IS:5994
• PERFORMANCE TESTS
• PTO Performance ( IS:12036)
• Drawbar Performance ( IS:12226)
• Hydraulic Performance (IS:12224)
• SAFETY TESTS
• Braking Performance ( IS:12061)
• Location of Center of Gravity ( IS:10743)
• Turning Ability (IS:11859)
• Safety tests (IS: 12239)
• COMFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS
• Noise Level ( IS:12180)
• Mechanical Vibration (IS: 5994)
• Smoke Level (IS:12062)
• Operator’s Field of Vision ( IS:11442)
• MISCLLANEOUS TESTS
• Air cleaner oil pull over (IS: 5994)
• Field And Haulage Test (IS: 9253)
• Component/assembly inspection (IS: 5994)

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     PTO Performance
To find out the performance characteristics of tractor at PTO
shaft for the full engine speed range in regard to power and
torque and corresponding fuel consumption under the following
ambient conditions:
• Normal ambient temperature conditions of 27 +_ 7 deg. C.
• High ambient temperature conditions of 43 +_ 2 deg. C.
The following tests are conducted
• Two hours maximum power test.
• Varying speed test.
• Maximum power at standard PTO speed.
• Maximum power at rated engine speed.
• Part load test

13
PTO Power = Torque
X RPM
 Presentation of Results

The data shall be reported in tabular form for each test

condition. If also presented in graphical form (which is
optional), the following, covering the full range of engine
speeds tested, shall be included:
 Power as a function of speed;
 Torque as a function of speed;
 Fuel consumption (mass) as a function of speed; and
 Specific fuel consumption (mass) as a function of power.

15
 Test at High Ambient Temperature

Varying speed and max power test shall be conducted

under high ambient temperature of 43±2C. The power,
torque and fuel consumption shall be reported. The
lubricating oil consumption on mass basis; during
maximum power test at high ambient shall be measured
and reported.

16
 Drawbar Performance
To ascertain the input power utilization of tractor for draft work
on a standard concrete test track under unballasted and
ballasted condition . The loading device is a computer-controlled
load car.
The following tests are conducted
• Varying load/speed test- Maximum pull in each gear with a
limiting factor at 15% wheel slip in lower gears and engine
stalling in high gears.
• Ten hours test- five hours test at maximum pull on 15% wheel
slip and another five hour at 75% of the pull at maximum power
in the gear normally used in field operation.

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 DRAWBAR TESTING SET-UP

O—O  Test track ( Levelled, concrete surface 0.8 KM circumference oval shape )
1 Hitch height adjustment device on loadcar to maintain straight line of pull
2 Load cell ( 75 KN drawbar pull capacity )
3 Coupling ( Tractor linkage drawbar connecting with front tow hook of loadcar)
4 Drawbar height ( Vertical distance between ground level and centre of linkage drawbar pin
5 Fifth wheel( To measure distance coverage for travelling speed and wheel slip calculation)
6 Control panel of loadcar
7 Eddy current dynamometer
8 Generator of loadcar
9 Blower fan for dynamometer
 Selection of height
The line of pull should be horizontal.
The height of the drawbar shall remain fixed in relation to the
tractor and such that the tractor can be controlled at all times
during the test. For wheeled tractor following formula gives the
guidelines:
0.8 x W X Z
H max = F
Where
W = Static load exerted by the front wheels on
the ground in N
Z = Wheelbase in mm
F = Drawbar pull in N
H = Static height of the line of pull above
the ground in mm
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 Drawbar test
 Transmission characteristics test
1. Un-ballasted
2. Ballasted
 Ten hour test
1. Five hour @ 75% of pull at maximum power
2. Five hour @ drawbar pull coinciding with 15%

wheel slip

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 Drawbar test procedure

To find maximum drawbar power and maximum

pull of the tractor in each gear from the gear in
which maximum power is limited by wheel slip of
15% to the gear immediately above that in which
the highest maximum power is developed.

Following Measurements are done and reported

1. Drawbar pull
2. Corresponding maximum power
3. Travel speed
4. Atmospheric conditions
5. Fuel consumptions
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 Drawbar test

 Reported figures are up to 15% wheel slip and

also the sustained pull. As the no-load distance
will vary according to the wear of the tyres.
 If the tractor has a hydrokinetic torque converter,
which can be locked out by the drive carry out
the test both with the torque converter in
operation and with it locked out.
 For four-wheel drive tractors, test with two wheel
drive and four wheel drive engaged shall be
carried out.

22
Drawbar Power =
Pull X Speed
 Hydraulic Performance
• To find out the maximum static vertical force
which can be exerted by the hydraulic lifts at the
lower hitch point and at a point 610 mm to the
rear of the hitch point on a standard frame.
• Hydraulic pump/relief valve performance.
• Ability of the lift to maintain the load.

24
 Relief Valve Performance
Test

This test is intended to test the performance of the relief

valve present in the pump. In this test we find out the
pressure at which the relief valve opens and the
Pressure at which the relief valve fully opens.

25
 Lifting Capacity Test at lower hitch points
Park the tractor on a level ground and adjust the height of
lower hitch points depending upon the category of the
tractor.
Category 1 & 2 – 200mm
This height must be measured with the loaded radius of the
tyre and with inflation pressure recommended for the field
operation.
Find minimum, medium and maximum height of the hitch
points.
Now the tractor is made horizontal by jacking in front and
rear such that the tyres are not deflected by the reactive
forces of the lift.
Start the tractor and wait until the temperature of the
hydraulic fluid raises till 65+_5 C.
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Maintenance of lift of load
1. Start the tractor and wait until the temperature of the hydraulic oil reaches
65+_5 C.
2. Now fix a load which is equal to 90% of the maximum force which can be
exerted throughout the full range of the movement to the coupled frame at
its center of gravity.
3. With the hydraulic lift in its uppermost position and the control lever in the
raised position the engine shall be stopped and the vertical height from
ground level of the point of application of the force is measured.
4. At intervals of 5 min over a period of 30 min, the height is re-measured.
5. The decrease in height after each 5 min interval is measure and noted as
shown in the example below.

Initial height 945mm

After 5min 930
After 10min 925 Downward force applied = 90%
of 1026=923.4kgf
After 15min 920
Total drop in height=35mm
After 20min 918
After 25mm 917
After 30min 910 27
 SAFETY TESTS

 Braking Performance
     Location of Center of Gravity
    Turning ability
     Safety tests as per CMVR

28
 Purpose of brake test
While running on road if sudden obstacle
comes then how efficiently tractor brake
Works i.e. after applying brake how much
distance covered by wheels to stop. This
distance should be under limit of 10 m as
per CMV rules.

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 Service
brake
test

Un ballasted ballasted
condition condition

At 35
km/hr or
At
max speed Cold condition Hot condition
25 Km /hr which one
is lower

At 35 At 35
km/hr or At km/hr or
At
max speed 25 Km /hr max speed
25 Km /hr which one
30
which one
is lower is lower
 Unballasted conditions Cold
brake performance test
The brake should be cold at the beginning of the
test. A brake is deemed to be cold if:
 The temperature measured on the disc or on the
outside of the drum is below 100 deg.C.
 In case of enclosed brake/oil immersed brake
the temperature on the outside of the drum is
below 50 deg.C.
 The brake have not been actuated in previous
one hour.

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 Parking brake test
BALLASTED condition (with 18% gradient slope). With tractor alone
UNBALLASTED condition (with 12% gradient slope). With trailer

• First attach a suitable wheel trailer. The mass of trailer

should be equal to mass of tractor or weight equal to 3 tones,
whichever is less.
• Then take reading of force for both in up & down
conditions of 12 % and 18% slopes.

  Ballasted tractor Tractor Trailer combination

Parked on 18% slope Parked on 12% slope
Parameter Facing Facing Facing up Facing down
up down
Braking device control force (N)
Efficiency of parking brake
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Location of Center of Gravity
The stability of tractor depends upon
the location of centre of gravity which
is determined through a method of
weight transfer by lifting it from the
front side

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X = F2xD/M
Y =Dt/2 – (F lx Dt /M)

Z = R+Df(P1-Px)/m(tanα2-tanα1)

Where D = Wheel base

F2 = Front reaction
M = Mass of tractor
Dt = Rear track width
Df = Distance of lifting point from rear axle
F1 = Rear reaction
R = Rolling radius
P1 = Load
PX = Load at different angles
X = horizontal co-ordinate
y = lateral co-ordinate
Z = Vertical co-ordinate

34
 Wheel Base = D = 1570mm
Rear track width = Dt = 1150mm
Distance of lifting point from rear axle = Df =2240mm
Rolling radius = R = 515mm
Mass of tractor = M = 1500kg
Front reaction = F2 = 600kg
Rear reaction = 900kg
LHS reaction = Fl = 755kg
RHS reaction = 745kg
Tilt angle (α); Load (P); kgf (P1-Px); kgf tanα2-tanα1
degree
1 398.7 0.0 0.0
15 372.0 26.7 0.2504
17 368.5 30.2 0.2882
19 366.0 32.7 0.3268
21 357.6 41.1 0.3663
23 354.4 44.3 0.4049
25 351.4 47.3 0.4488
35
Technical requirements of the Operator’s Seat:

Length of the seat:

The base of the seat must be at an angle of 7.5+-_4.5 with the horizontal.
The back rest must be at an angle of 10+_5o with the vertical and its length must
be at least 260mm.
The height of the SIP from the foot rest must be at most 630mm.
Pedal Location:
The position of the clutch, brake and foot accelerator pedal from the SIP is mainly
dependent on the angle between the operator’s upper and lower leg. The lengthwise
distance must be at least 355-770 mm while the height wise distance must be between
380-620mm.
Steering wheel Location:
The position of the steering-wheel relative to SIP is mainly dependent on the angle
of the upper arms to the torso and the angle between the upper and lower arm.
The lengthwise distance must be between 425-525mm while the height from SIP
must be between 175-385mm.
The longitudinal axis through the centre of the steering-wheel may be offset a
maximum of +_50mm from the longitudinal axis through the SIP.
Steering-wheel Angle:
The choice of the steering-wheel angle is affected by the seating position, steering-
wheel diameter and the force required to turn the steering-wheel. The steering-wheel
angle must be in the range 0-40o.
Silencer position:
The minimum vertical distance of top of silencer from SIP shall be 800mm.
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 ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

• The dimensions and the positioning of the seat with

respect to the controls affect comfort and convenience
of control operation.
• Operator controls should have enough clearance around
controls and the controls should be properly identified by
proper symbols.
• The dangerous parts such as hot parts and rotating
parts should be guarded properly such that they do not
come into contact with the driver during entry, egress
and operation.
• The Indian Standard IS 12239 provides all the guidelines
for better safety and comfort design of agricultural
tractors.
 ERGONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
• Noise levels and vibration aspects of tractor is of
primary importance in reducing the stress level of
operator thereby increasing the productivity of field
operations.
• In India vibration levels are standardized by Indian
standards and Minimum Performance Standards
(Ministry of Agriculture) for agricultural tractors which
specifies 100 microns as the maximum vibration limit
for operator seat, steering wheel and foot rest.
• The noise levels are legislated in India by Central
Motor Vehicle Rules which specify the limits of 98
dB(A) and 90 dB(A) for noise levels at operator's ear
level and By-stander's position respectively.
 Turning ability
The aim of measurement of the turning
ability and clearance diameter of the
unballasted tractor with and without
brakes is to determine the extent of width
of headland required for field operation.

39
 Turning ability

A C

Diameter of the circle=D= 2ABC/Sqrt(2(A2B2+ B2C2+ C2 A2)-( A4+ B4+ C4))

Where A, B and C are lengths of the chords which form a triangle which is
circumscribed by the circle.
40
 A (mts) B (mts) C
(mts)
Without RHS 5 5 6.4
brake
LHS 5 5 6.18
With RHS 4 4 5.81
brake
LHS 4 4 5.91

41
COMFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
TESTS

• Noise Level
• Mechanical Vibration
• Smoke Level
• Visibility
42
Measured in open on a concrete test track,
both ambient and at the operator’s ear level
position and should not exceed 88dB(A) and
98 dB(A) respectively.

43
Example: Wind velocity = 1.83 m/sec
Gear 75% speed of Silencer facing Silencer facing
full throttle microphone away
L1 2.50 84.7,84.6,84.7 81.9,82.0,82.1
L2 3.39 84.9,85.1,85.0 83.6,84.0,83.9
L3 5.40 85.0,84.8,84.9 84.1,84.4,84.2
L4 7.33 86.3,86.1,86.1 86.1,86.4,86.1
L5 ----------------------------------
H1 9.81 85.9,85.7,85.9 84.6,86.3,86.5
H2 13.46 86.4,86.9,86.7 86.4,86.7,86.7
H3 21.15 86.9,87.0,86.8 85.7,85.4,85.6
H4 28.68 86.1,86.0,86.4 85.0,85.1,85.3
H5 -----------------------------------

Maximum noise observed is 87.0dB in H3 gear. 44

 At Operator Ear Level

Gear Drawbar pull at Corresponding Noise level

which the tractor traveling dB(A)
develops max speed (kmph)
noise level (kN)
L1 7.5 to 8.7 2.24 to 2.20 95
L2 8.0 to 11.3 3.26 to 3.05 94
L3 8.1 to 11.1 5.85 to 5.49 96
H1 9.6 8.27 98

Here H1 gear corresponds to the nominal traveling

speed nearest to 7.5kmph

45
 Vibration test
• The amplitude of mechanical vibration (VD & HD)
is measured on assemblies, components, and
controls etc., which affect the performance of the
operator.
• The tractor is unballasted, inflated for fieldwork
and parked on standard concrete surface. The
operator’s seat is loaded with a 75 kg mass. The
test is conducted, under no load conditions and at
85% of maximum PTO power, at rated engine
speed.
• The limiting factor is 100 microns.

46
[Link]. MEASURING POINTS VIBRATION, MICRONS (µm)
AT LOAD
AT NO LOAD CORR.TO85% OF
MAX. PTO POWER
VD HD VD HD
1. Foot Rest Left 42 50 85 85
Right 45 28 80 45
2. Steering Wheel 110 150 170 220
3. Seat Back 45 40 110 90
Bottom 32 17 75 45
4. Mud Guard Left 38 24 120 110
(Left, Right)
Right 30 70 120 28
5. Head Light Left 85 70 140 130
Right 65 55 110 140
6. Battery (Base, Center) 35 13 65 40

47
[Link]. MEASURING POINTS VIBRATION, MICRONS (µm)
AT LOAD CORR.TO85%
AT NO LOAD
OF MAX. PTO POWER
VD HD VD HD

7. Tail Light Left 26 35 95 140

Right 110 150 110 150
8. Plough Light 70 170 200 300
9. Gear Shifting Lever 65 110 38 85
10. Accelerator Hand 90 50 60 70
Lever
Foot 45 55 90 140
11. Brake Pedal Left 38 28 65 70
Right 38 34 85 60
12. Clutch Pedal 18 26 75 65
13. Main [Link] Lever 85 95 100 120
14. PTO Engaging lever 14 18 30 28
15. Differential Lock Lever 50 40 90 95
48
 Smoke level
The smoke level measured at 80% of
maximum power should not exceed light
absorption co-efficient of 3.25 l/m. The
exhaust gas should contain Co, Nox &
Hc with the specified limit as under;
• Mass of Co-5.5 g/kwh
• Mass of HC+Nox-9.5 g/kwh
• Mass of particulate matter 0.8 g/kwh

49
 Visibility
Keeping the operator eye level at
760mm the invisible area is
determined around the tractor.
The furrow points of tractor
should be visible to operator
from his normal sitting position
i.e. within 100mm of shifting of
vision to either side and the
masking effect due to restriction
of vision by silencer, air cleaner
etc should be minimum.
50
 Air cleaner oil pull over test
The air cleaner is filled to 5% in excess over the specified
volume of oil. The engine then operated at full governed
speed for 15 minutes . This shall be followed by sudden
acceleration and decelerations made very 30 seconds for 15
minutes the loss in mass of oil is then determined The tests
are conducted in following two positions-
• Level
• 15 deg. Tilt on fore/aft/sideways

51
 Air cleaner oil pull over test

Position of Tractor Loss of oil Oil pullover Engine Oil

(g) (%) Pressure
Tractor parked on level 0.5 0.11 Normal
ground
Tractor tilted 15oon RHS 0.2 0.05 Normal
Tractor tilted 15oon LHS 0.3 0.07 Normal
Tractor tilted 15o with front 0.2 0.05 Normal
end up
Tractor tilted 15o with rear 0.4 0.09 Normal
end up

52
Field and Haulage Performance
• 35 hours field tests with plough and
rotavator under dry land conditions
• 15 hours field tests under wetland
conditions.
• 60 km haulage test with loaded trailer.

53
 Water proof test
[Link] tractor is parked on the rollers.
[Link] the tractor is dipped into the water up to half the diameter of the
front wheel.
[Link] speed of tractor at 6 km/hr. (this speed can be set by DN =
6km/[Link] D = diameter of wheel as per tyre index. (Km). N = no. of
revolution per min. so we can find N.).
[Link] tractor is run for 5 hours.
[Link] it is sent to the partial disassembling section for checking.

Component/Assembly presence of water/mud

King Pin Assembly Yes/No
Stub Axles Yes/No
Center Pin Assembly Yes/No
Brake Housing Yes/No
Clutch Assembly Yes/No
Engine sump, Transmission & Hydraulic sump Yes/No
Starter Motor Yes/No
Alternator Yes/No 54
  
Haulage test
•Haulage test with matching trailer having recommended
gross mass should be conducted on a patch having
gradient not exceeding 10% on short length for a total
distance of 60 km.
• The tractor shall be prepared as per recommendations of
the manufacturer.
• The test aims to find out the average speed, fuel
consumption, distance traveled (km) specific fuel
consumption (cc/km/tonne) of gross mass along with
general observations such as effectiveness of brakes,
maneuverability of tractor-trailer combination, gear used
on gradients, smoke conditions etc.
55
Component / Assembly Inspection:
The engine, transmission, brakes, front
axle etc. are dismantled to assess wear
against initial and discard limits specified
by the manufacturer. The electrical
components and other assemblies are
also checked against casual defects.

56
 Thank you

Your questions are welcome.

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