1 992 Montana Agricultural Statistics General 7 



Resource Center activities will result in improved agricultural tractor and machinery 

 performance and help maximize net returns for Montana and Alberta prairie region farmers through 

 savings on repair, maintenance, and fuel. The Center will also provide opportunities for Northern 

 Montana College technology students. 



Resource Center and AFMRC personnel have developed an on-board data acquisition package 

 allowing dynamic in-field tractor performance testing. The instrumentation consists of: (1) A lap-top 

 computer for on-board data acquisition; (2) A 50,000 pound load cell for measuring draft; (3) Two 

 radar guns for measuring wheel and ground speeds; (4) An accelerometer for measuring bounce 

 (ride characteristics); (4) An electronic tachometer for engine rpm; (5) Various gauges for monitoring 

 engine performance; (6) Portable electronic platform scales for determining tractor weight and front 

 and rear weight splits; (7) A dynamic fuel consumption device (being developed). 



Tractors are instrumentated and then a series of runs are made at varied implement depths 

 and in selected gear and rpm ranges. The on-board data acquisition package records all information 

 dynamically at five times per second and each run is recorded on disk. A discussion will be held with 

 each operator on field speeds, cultivator depth, gear selection, etc. The center will be sensitive to the 

 specific farming methods of each individual producer. Tests will be conducted at the farm site with 

 the farmer's implement so the tractor performance is tuned for the conditions it vAW be working in. 



Drawbar horsepower v^U be calculated from each run and the results compared wdth typical 

 engine horsepower and tractor weight performance levels. Ballast amounts, weight distribution, tire 

 pressures and other variables can be adjusted and modified to improve tractive performance. Engines 

 and drive train components will be checked prior to testing to be sure they are capable of performing 

 properly. Areas of consideration are: fuel quality, fuel restriction and the fuel system, air intake and 

 exhaust gas restriction, blowrby, idle and no-load high idle rpm, fluid levels and leaks, turbo boost 

 pressures, tire pressures and cooling system integrity. Tractors are subjected to maximum 

 performance levels of drawbar horsepower and tractive effort during the test procedure. 



Tractor center services may include: (1) The locating and isolating of mechanical problems 

 (minor repairs may be immediately made but major repairs must be arranged); (2) Liquid ballast 

 removal and replacement; (3) In-field weighing for proper total tractor weight and front to rear 

 splits; (4) Tire pressure management based on the tractor's static load, with emphasis on radial tires; 

 (5) Computerized in-field testing and report summaries; (6) Adjusting and modifying tractors and 

 equipment for optimum performance. 



NOTE: Northern Tractor Resource personnel should be available to test and customize agricultural 

 tractors during the spring and summer of 1993. Center coordinators (Greg Clouse, Lynn Stilger, Tom 

 Welch) can be reached at Northern Montana College, Havre, MT 59501 or called at 

 (406) 265-3700. 



NOTE: Development monies and other tractor center resources were provided by: Montana Wheat & 

 Barley Committee, Montana Growth Through Agriculture Program, Economic Development 

 Administration, BearPaw Development, Burlington Northern Railroad, First Security Bank of Havre, 

 First Bank of Havre and Bank of Montana of Havre, Northern Montana College and the Alberta Farm 

 Machinery Research Centre. 



