Tyre Configuration and Axle Load of Front-Wheel Assist and Four-Wheel Drive Tractors Effects on Soil Compaction and Rolling Resistance under No-Tillage

Selecting the appropriate tyre configuration and settings for heavy farm vehicles is important to ensure that soil compaction power loss in rolling resistance are minimised traction optimised. This study investigated effect of front-wheel assist (FWA, ≈75 kN) four-wheel drive (4 WD, ≈100 tractors fitted with different configurations (single, dual), sizes inflation pressures on strength (a proxy compaction), resistance. Single-pass tests were performed a Typic Argiudoll (≈23% clay, bulk density: 1305 kg m−3) managed under permanent no-tillage. Results showed average losses 7.5 kN 5 4 WD FWA tractors, respectively. The rut depth increased by approximately 1.4 times after pass compared tractor. cone index (0–600 mm depth) from 2023 kPa (before traffic) 2188 2435 single passes 4WD respectively (p < 0.05). At centreline rut, dual tyres reduced little tyres, but they significantly volume over which strength, therefore compaction, was increased. For both (regardless or settings), full measured (600 mm), relative changes before vs. traffic became progressively smaller depth. consistently greater heavier tractor, directly related pressure.