TRACTOR PERFORMANCE IN SOWING WITH FURROWER CONFIGURATIONS IN AREAS WITH CONTROLLED TRAFFIC OF MACHINES

ABSTRACT The controlled traffic of machines is a technique that performs the standardization of machine wheel gauges and width of implements, allowing them to move in predetermined places. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an agricultural tractor, pulling seeder with configurations of furrows, in an area with controlled traffic of machines in various intensities. The study was developed in an agricultural area located in the municipality of Carazinho, RS. The experimental design was 3 × 3 randomized blocks, with traffic conditions (tractor traffic, tractor and harvester traffic, other tractor traffic, harvester and sprayer) and three configurations of furrows (double disk, double disk in the rows without traffic and rod in the traffic and double disk in the rows without traffic and without furrower in the lanes of traffic). The variables analyzed were traction force, power in the drawbar, maximum power, speed, skidding, operational capacity and efficiency of the engine. It was concluded that the absence of furrows in controlled traffic lanes provides reduction of traction force. The power demand of the seeder decreases when the rod-type furrow is replaced by double disc and this reduction is even greater when removed from the traffic lanes in situations of higher traffic intensity.