Justification of the Track Resistance of the Working Bodies of the Potato Planting Machine
Abstract
In this study, the authors investigated the tractive resistance forces that arise during the operation of a potato planting machine equipped with a disc-type working body. This working organ simultaneously performs two essential functions in the planting process: it opens a furrow in the soil for placing potato seeds and forms a ridge that covers and protects the seeds after planting. The analysis was carried out by taking into account a number of interrelated factors that directly influence the magnitude of draft resistance. These include the total mass of the potato planting machine, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil (such as density, hardness, and moisture content), as well as the geometrical parameters of the cultivated soil cross-section. The configuration and structural design of the working part, the machine’s coverage width, the planting depth, and the forward speed of operation were also considered as significant variables. The findings demonstrate that the draft resistance of the potato planter is not determined by a single factor but results from the combined effects of machine design, soil conditions, and operational parameters. In particular, the resistance force depends heavily on the machine’s mass, the width of coverage, and the performance of its various working components, including the furrow opener, the seeding mechanism, and other auxiliary parts that contribute to the planting process. Moreover, planting depth and soil texture strongly influence the overall resistance encountered during field operation. Based on the calculations and analysis presented, it was established that when the machine operates at forward speeds ranging from 4 to 6 km/h, the tractive resistance values vary between 1.702 kN and 2.823 kN. These results provide important insights into the design optimization of potato planting machines and offer practical guidance for selecting tractors of suitable power, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring reliable field performance under varying soil and load conditions.