Effect of hitch distance on haulage performance for 2WD tractors: A theoretical analysis

Abstract

Aim of study: A computer program was developed in Visual Basic 10 environment for predicting the haulage performance of 2WD tractors using various empirical and theoretical equations.Methodology: Three types of inputs related to tractor, trailer and operating parameters were used to calculate the performance parameters through empirical and theoretical equations. The performance parameters included mainly draft, slip, transport efficiency, transport productivity, fuel economy index, rear and front axle dynamic weight, etc. The program was used to evaluate the haulage performance by varying hitch distance (HD) at various operating conditions.Main results: On one hand lower HD was beneficial in increasing the maximum payload, transport productivity as well as the maximum slope; but at the same time, it reduced the rear axle dynamic load, fuel economy index and actual engine power requirement.Research highlights: There was a markable effect of HD over tractor performance which can play a role to optimize traction and stability.