Predicting the ride vibration of an unsuspended tractor using the dynamic characteristics of rolling tyres

Abstract The vertical and pitch ride vibration of a four wheel agricultural tractor has been modelled. The accuracy of this model is assessed by comparison with measurements of tractor vibration. Improvements in modelling accuracy are obtained by the use of radial tyre suspension characteristics measured on rolling tyres rather than those obtained from stationary tyres. Comparisons are made between various representations of the longitudinal characteristics of the driving tyres. Further improvements in modelling accuracy are unlikely to be achieved until the longitudinal characteristics of rolling tyres have been measured.