A theoretical model to analyze the draft force and power requirement of a tillage implement consisting of both a disc plough and a subsoiler

Abstract

The draft force and power requirements of tillage equipment are important metrics for agricultural equipment designers. Yet, a theoretical model to find these metrics for combined tillage equipment is lacking. To overcome the aforementioned limitation, this article presents a theoretical model to evaluate the draft force resulting from an implement consisting of both a disc plough and a subsoiler, and estimate the power requirement of dragging such an implement using a tractor. Existing models used to predict draft force for separate implements were incorporated herein to formulate the modified model. The model predictions are validated with discrete element method simulations. Additionally, the results show that implementation of a tandem tool configuration helps to reduce the draft force of the tool that follows the preceding tool in the sequence, albeit by a smaller amount (≈7−13%). Further modifications to the theoretical model are needed to generate more accurate results.