Simulation of the influence of differential control on tractor work rate

This paper deals with numerical simulation tests carried out on agricultural tractor drive lines, to analyse the influence of differential locking and tire deflection on the work rate. In most cases the highest travel speed, and hence the maximum work rate, can be reached with a locked differential. With a controlled differential, a more effective power distribution can be reached only when the tyres are non-rigid. The increase in efficiency, however, is very small. When the tractor is turning, the controlled differential gives the highest work rate; the improvement, however, looks only to be of interest when the turning radius is less than 10 m. The controlled differential gives the best manoeuvrability and the smallest ground deterioration.