MF-588 Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Mark Schrock Associate Professor Kelly Wertz Kearny Co. Extension Agent, Agriculture Now more than ever, producers need to operate tractors more efficiently. With agriculture becoming increasingly competitive, it is simply good business to accomplish more work with less time and fuel. To achieve this goal, you must first understand how a tractor transfers power to the ground and then how to ensure your tractor is transferring power efficiently.
Few people realize how much power a tractor can lose during field operation.
The first power loss occurs in the transmission and usually amounts to about 4 percent. This means only 144 horsepower is actually available at the rear axle. The next power loss, between the tires and soil, is the one that concerns us. The amount of power lost depends mainly on soil conditions, tires, and weight on the tires. A lower tractive efficiency indicates lower drawbar power since axle power remains fairly constant at rated engine speed.