Energy performance of farm tractor with single radial versus dual diagonal wheels in harrowing operations

The farm tractor wheel interacts directly with the soil, affecting its energy and operational performance. Several works study the particularities between configurations of wheelset seeking to interpret the most efficient type and arrangement of the wheelset. However, there is still a demand for studies that elucidate decision-making regarding changing the type of wheelset or improving the pre-existing arrangement. The experiment aimed to evaluate the energy performance of farm tractors equipped with Single radial and Dual diagonal wheels in rear axle in intermediate harrowing operation. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design. Two-wheel arrangements (Single radial and Dual diagonal) were used in the blocks, and four target velocities (4, 6, 8, and 10 km h(-1)), with four replicates in the subblocks, totalizing 32 experimental units. Slip of wheels, engine rotation, hourly and specific fuel consumption, force, power, and efficiency in the drawbar, operational velocity, and engine thermal efficiency were monitored. The data collected were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, to the Tukey test and regression analysis. The Single radial tires provided an increase in velocity and drawbar force without increasing fuel consumption, consequently providing an increase in energy and operating performance in intermediate harrowing operation.