Innovative Automation Solutions for Agricultural Tractors: Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Fatigue

On one hand population is increasing while on the other area under cultivation has been decreasing resulting in increased stress on the productivity to meet the needs. India in particular has been witnessing lot many challenges in terms of mechanization, availability of skilled manpower, urban shift and increased revenue to Agri households from non-Agri streams, lesser participation of women in mechanization. Likeability of younger generations to choose agriculture has declined due to need of strenuous manual works. This paper discusses about the system developed for automating monotonous agricultural tractor operations that offers increased operator comfort and productivity while minimizing operator fatigue. The system uses Electronic Depth & Draft Control (EDDC) system combined with Wheel angle sensors to offer key functions such as auto side braking, implement lift, lower and PTO disengagement during headland turns and automatic reengagement of the above controls. Field tests have shown up to 9% fuel savings and up to 11% higher productivity. This technology significantly has decreased consumption of Fuel, Pesticide besides reducing service costs and has increased productivity of operators and agricultural land.