Traction, Compaction, Yield and Operating Cost of Alternative Tire/Traffic Systems

Agricultural tractor work rate depends on tire tractive performance, and crop growth depends on soil degree of compaction.

The concept of tire footprint efficiency ratio, based on tire footprint and mean ground pressure studies, is introduced to evaluate tire performance. Effects of mean ground pressure on soil degree of compaction and relative crop yield are presented. A method is proposed to compare various tire mount alternatives, with respect to tractive performance and crop revenue. A sample tire equipment comparison scheme is presented.