| Abstract: | Four tyres (18.4-38, 18.4R38, 14.9-28, 14.9R28) were tested using the UCD single wheel traction tester. Each tyre was tested at two different inflation pressures and three different vertical loads at each inflation pressure. All tests were conducted in a well tilled Yolo loam soil. A dimensional analysis procedure was used to design and analyse the experiment. Two models were considered: (A) using inflation pressure as a variable, and (B) using tyre deflection as a variable. The effect of tyre type, tyre size, tyre inflation pressure and dynamic load on (1) net traction ratio at 20% slip and (2) average tractive efficiency in the 0–30% slip range were investigated using an ANOVA technique. An estimate of the possible energy savings due to the use of radial ply tyres instead of bias ply tyres in California agriculture was made. |
