OFF-ROAD MACHINERY

Fluid Power Systems
C. E. Goering,Principal Investigator R. S. Book, C. H. Chou
University of Illinois

In cooperation with Vickers, Inc., a computer simulation was developed for the hydraulic system of a heavily loaded crane. The simulation correctly predicted the pressure fluctuations caused by the inertial loading of the motor. At the request of another manufacturer, the accuracy of orifice equations in predicting pressure losses is being investigated. Finally, a mechatronics study is being initiated in which software will be used to cause one physical embodiment of a hydraulic valve to emulate several different valves.

Vision-based Guidance and Control of Field Machinery

J. F. ReidPrincipal Investigator
University of Illinois

Machine vision sensing has been developed as an information source for a variety of applications in agricultural vehicle guidance and control. Applications include vehicle guidance based on pathways defined by crops, rows, or artificial markets. Machine vision as a sensor for precision agriculture is a primary focus of this research.

Farm Machinery Selection and Management

J. C. SiemensPrincipal Investigator
University of Illinois

A computer program has been developed and released which determines the optimum machinery set for a farm. With specification of the desired field operations and corresponding work hours and areas to be covered, the program schedules the operations and calculates the costs of different machinery sets. The least cost (optimum) machinery set is determined using an optimization procedure. Management details of the least cost set or other sets are provided.

Soil Compaction Due to Wheel Traffic

J. C. SiemensPrincipal Investigator
University of Illinois

A soil compaction study is underway to determine effects of wheel traffic on crop growth and yield. Treatments include no extra wheel traffic, extra wheel traffic on every other row, and wheel traffic over the entire plot area before planting. Crop yields have decreased due to soil compac- tion in some years, especially in years when compaction causes drainage to be inadequate.

Tillage Systems

J. C. Siemens,Principal Investigator J. W. Hummel, E. D. Nafziger (Crop Sci.)
University of Illinois

Several tillage systems for crop production are being evaluated at Urbana and at five University of Illinois Agricultural Research Demonstration Centers. Tillage treatments vary from moldboard plow or chisel plow to no-tillage systems with monocropping and crop rotations. Principal factors being studied are crop establishment, growth, and yield; soil condition and fertility; soil erosion; weed control; and economics.