Analysis of Vibration Characteristics of Tractor–Rotary Cultivator Combination Based on Time Domain and Frequency Domain

Abstract

A good planting bed is a prerequisite for improving planting quality, while complex ground excitation often leads to machine bouncing and operation vibration, which then affects the operation effect. In order to improve the quality of rotary tillage operations, it is necessary to study the effects of various vibration excitations on the unit during tractor rotary tillage operations and analyze the vibration interaction relationship among the tractor, the three-point suspension mechanism, and the rotary tiller. For this purpose, multiple three-way acceleration sensors were installed at different positions on the rotary tiller unit of a Lexing LS1004 tractor(Lexing Agricultural Equipment Co. Ltd., Qingdao, China) to collect vibration data at different operating speeds and conduct vibration characteristic analysis between different components. The test results showed that when the unit moved forward at 2.1 km/h, 3.6 km/h, and 4.5 km/h, respectively, the vibration acceleration of the tractor, the three-point suspension mechanism, and the rotary tiller increased with the increase in speed, and there was indeed interaction between them. The vertical acceleration change during the test in the three-point suspension mechanism was the most significant (5.914 m/s2) and was related to the increase in the speed of the vehicle and the vibration transfer of the rotary tiller. Meanwhile, the vertical vibration acceleration of the tractor’s symmetrical structure was not similar, suggesting the existence of structural assembly problems. From the perspective of frequency domain analysis, the resonant frequency at the cab of the tractor was reduced in a vertical vibration environment, with relatively low frequencies (0~80 Hz) and small magnitudes, which might be beneficial to the driver’s health. The rotary tillage group resonated around 350 Hz, and this characteristic can be used to appropriately increase the vibration of the rotary tiller to reduce resistance. The tractor cab resonated around 280 Hz, which must be avoided during field operations to ensure driver health and reduce machine wear. The research results can provide a reference for reducing vibration and resistance during tractor rotary tillage operations, as well as optimizing and improving the structure of rotary tillers and tractors.