Analysis of load severeness for the transplanter PTO by planting condition

Background: Analysis of load on the transplanter PTO shaft is critical for optimum design of a transplanter. The purpose of this study was to analyze the load severeness of the transplanter PTO shaft during field operation by planting condition.

Methods: In order to measure the loads acting on the PTO shaft of transplanter, a load measurement system was installed on the transplanter. A load measurement system was constructed with torque sensors to measure the torque of a PTO shaft, a measurement device to acquire sensor signals, and embedded system to calculate the load severeness. Field operation was conducted at four planting distances (26, 35, 43, and 80 cm) and three planting depths (level 1, 5 and 10) on a field with similar soil conditions. The load data was converted to a load spectrum using the rain-flow counting method and SWT (Smith Watson Topper) equations. Sum of damage due to the load was calculated using the Modified Miner’s rule for each planting conditions, and then the load severeness was calculated as the relative magnitude of the damage sum.

Results: The average torque on the PTO shaft increased significantly as the planting distance decreased from 80 cm to 26 cm. Also, the average torque on the PTO shaft increased as the planting depth increased from level planting depth level 1 to 10. The severeness of the load on the PTO shaft increased as planting distance decreased and planting depth increased.

Discussion: Farmers should determine the planting conditions of the transplanter by considering load and durability of machine.

Conclusion: The results of this study provide useful information for the optimum design of a transplanter PTO considering field load. In addition, future studies need to provide basic data for the design of the transplanter by considering the working speed and various work conditions.