The paper considers a new technique for assessing the technical level of agricultural tractors competing in one power range.
The existing methods of evaluation of technical level, both in Russia and abroad, are associated with expert approach that is limited by the qualitative nature of conclusions, which does not allow to predict quantitative change in performance. In this regard, if there are up to 35 models in the Russian market with equal power capabilities, the problem of making a choice arises.
A general indicator of technical level is the ratio of the replacement capacity of the arable unit based on a tractor model under consideration to the replacement capacity of the arable unit based on a reference tractor, which are determined by computer simulation in reference conditions.
As a starting energy indicator of a tractor, its potential dimensionless traction characteristic is adopted, which is represented by the dependence of the traction efficiency and slippage on the coefficient of coupling weight utilization. The coordinates of reference points of the dimensionless traction characteristics of the tractor for 7 variants of wheeled and caterpillar propellers are given. As indicators of technical level affecting the replacement capacity of the arable aggregate with a quantitative correction, 19 factors are considered that characterize in general a tractor, its engine, transmissions and propulsion.
The results of the evaluation of the technical level of some domestic and foreign tractors represented in the Russian market are given. The developed technique for evaluation of the technical level of agricultural tractors makes it possible to rationalize the composition and quantity of farm tractors fleet in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation on the specifications of the needs for tractors.