Nebraska Tractor Test-Programs and Philosophy

Procedures used at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory in testing agricultural tractors are outlined. Tests conducted at other test laboratories are compared with Nebraska Tractor Test results. Tests are conducted to determine maximum horsepower at maximum power takeoff, maximum horsepower in operating gears, maximum pull available from the machine, and noise level at the operator station. These tests showed that a difference of roughly 6% resulted between the testing procedures, which could not be accounted for.

It is hoped that this paper can contribute to the coordination of testing procedures at different testing stations, in an effort to improve the tests and to improve the tractor performance.