Forces on Double Disc Coulters with Different Angles of Attack for a Planter Unit

José Antonio Portella; Fernando Capellari

doi:10.18226/23185279.v6iss2p7

Authors

José Antonio Portella Full Professor, University of Passo Fundo, School of Engineering and Architecture. Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Fernando Capellari Mechanical Engineer, Stara Indústria de Máquinas Agrícolas, Não-Me-Toque, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18226/23185279.v6iss2p7

Keywords:

No-Till, Traction Force

Abstract

It is long known that reactions resulting from the penetration of coulters into the compacted soil generate more strain on the crop row, decrease the service life of its components, and represent an unwanted maintenance cost, often at mid-seeding. The objective of the study was to assess straining on a double disc coulter of a commercial planter using a dynamometric car, which measured the vertical and horizontal forces operating on the three double disc supports at different angles of attack. Forward speed ranged in three levels and working depth ranged in two levels. The tests were performed in the Stara experimental farming area in the city of Não-Me-Toque, RS, Brazil. It was possible to conclude that the range of angles of attack of offset double discs decreased the power requirements on the crop rows. It was also concluded that the working speed had a significant effect only on the vertical force component, due to the lager angular opening.