Comparison of Wheel, Metal-Track and Pneumatic-Track Harvester's Propulsion Systems

Comparative test have been run of rice-harvesters with wheel, metal-track and pneumatic-track propulsion systems. The pneumatic track was made in two versions: with air-filled elements (tracks), and with foam-filled ones. Tests were held on the concrete testing ground track and on the tilled field. Resistance to harvester's motion, resistance to turning round, pressure of propulsion systems on soil, soil deformation, and soil hardness in the rut (trace) were determined after harvester's pass. The investigations showed that soil deformation and hardness in the rut were minimum when the pneumatic propulsion system was used, and maximum when using the wheel propulsion system. Resistance to motion, on the other hand, was maximum with the pneumatic-track propulsion system, and minimum with the wheel one.