Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

Developing maximum tractive effort is critical to being competitive in the performance category of the ASAE International Scale Tractor Design Competition. One major design consideration is the drive wheel configuration. The findings reported in this manuscript describe testing done for the development of the 2005 Wildcat 4805e in three different drive configurations: two-wheel drive (2WD)single, two-wheel drive (2WD) with duals, and four-wheel drive (4WD) tandem. Tests were conducted on asphalt so that a consistent track surface could be maintained. The asphalt testing consisted of recording ground speed, wheel speed and pull force for every replicate. A constant load was applied to the tractor on each replicate, and the pull force was recorded. Five replicates were collected on each of the three configurations at a medium draft load. One replicate for each configuration was conducted at a light draft load for comparison purposes. The data showed that a higher pull force was produced by the 4WD tandem and 2WD dual configurations than that produced by the 2WD single configuration. There was no discernable difference between the 4WD tandem and the 2WD dual on asphalt. Additional tests were conducted on compacted clay for comparison purposes. The clay track testing consisted of recording distance pulled between 2WD duals versus 4WD tandem. Five, randomized replicated pull tests were conducted for the three drive configurations. Pull distances was recorded for each test. This data showed that the 4WD tandem configuration consistently out performed the 2WD dual configuration. Based upon the findings of this work the Wildcat Pulling Team chose the 4WD tandem configuration for the Wildcat 4805e.