Abstract The need for energy rationalizing in farming operations require research that optimize grain crop conduction. The operations used in the processing and production of silage have limitations in energy optimization due to the lack of studies. This paper evaluated energy efficiency of whole-plant silage operations with the objective of favor the decision making. The adopted design of the experiment was in parcels (with seven replications), consisting of three harvesting modalities: single-line forage harvester, total area forage harvester, and total area forage harvester with support transshipment. The tractors were instrumented with sensors that measured engine rotation, travel speed, and hourly fuel consumption which were used to calculate field capacity, fuel consumption per area and per harvested mass, and production capacity of the harvester-tractor set. The results went to analysis of variance and subsequently to Tukey’s test. The single had a faster speed and lower hourly fuel consumption, but smaller field capacity and greater energy expenditure for the mass. The use of support transshipment set with the front harvester allowed an improvement in the operation, with an increase in the worked area, and material processing (18%), and speed (13%), without differing in fuel expenditure. The total-area forage harvester modality showed smaller costs (USD 6.7), followed by the total-area forage harvester with support transshipment set (USD 7.7) and the single-line forage harvester (USD 9.38), respectively. The use of forage harvesters with a wider working width proved to be more efficient in terms of production costs per harvested hectare, validating it’s reccomendation. conduction studies wholeplant whole plant making replications, replications , replications) modalities singleline line rotation mass harvestertractor tractor Tukeys Tukey s test operation 18%, 18 18% (18%) 13%, 13 13% (13%) totalarea USD 6.7, 67 6.7 6 7 6.7) 7.7 77 9.38, 938 9.38 9 38 9.38) respectively hectare its it reccomendation 1 (18% (13% 6. 7. 93 9.3 3 (18 (13 9. (1 (

ABSTRACT. The use of powdered graphite as a solid lubricant to reduce friction among soybean seeds during mechanical sowing aims to facilitate the seed flow into the seed reservoir, while reducing mechanical damage to the seed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of graphite on the longitudinal deposition of soybean seeds using mechanical and pneumatic feeders at different distribution velocities. The experiment was performed on a static simulation-test bench, with a completely randomized design with two varying factors: graphite dose (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g kg-1 seed) and distribution velocity (5, 7, 9, and 11 km h-1 for the pneumatic feeder; and 3, 5, 7, and 9 km h-1 for the mechanical feeder). To assess the homogeneity of seed distribution, the frequency of parameters such as double, flawed, and acceptable spacings, coefficient of variation, and precision index were evaluated from five repetitions of 250 spacing each. For the pneumatic feeder, the optimal values to maximize precision of seed deposition were 4.6 g kg-1 and 6.7 km h-1 of graphite dose and distribution velocity, respectively. In turn, the optimal values to minimize undesirable spacing while maximizing accuracy with the mechanical feeder were 4.9±0.6 g kg-1 and 4.9±0.3 km h-1. Overall, regardless of feeding mechanism, the use of graphite promoted greater efficiency in the distribution of seeds owing to the higher level of fluidity inside the reservoir; however, high doses can cause the opposite effect. In addition, an excessive increase in speed influenced seed distribution negatively. ABSTRACT reservoir velocities simulationtest simulation test bench factors 0, 0 (0 1 2 4 kg1 kg kg- 5 (5 7 h1 h h- 3 feeder. . feeder) double flawed spacings variation 25 each 46 6 4. 67 6. respectively turn 4906 4.9±0. 4903 h1. 1. Overall mechanism however effect addition negatively ( 490 4.9±0 49 4.9± 4.9

RESUMO: A assertiva adequação do trator agrícola é necessária para atingir máxima eficiência energética, podendo ser feita através da correta distribuição de massa entre eixos para cada superfície de operação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes distribuições de massa entre eixos em um trator de 93 kW equipado com tração dianteira auxiliar, em duas superfícies de solo. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de faixas, com esquema fatorial duplo (2 x 3), sendo duas superfícies de solo (mobilizado e firme) e três distribuições de massa entre eixos (35/65%, 40/60% e 45/55%), com cinco repetições, totalizando 30 parcelas. Foram determinados os parâmetros de patinamento dos rodados dianteiros e traseiros, rotação do motor, consumo horário e específico de combustível, força, potência e rendimento na barra de tração, velocidade de deslocamento, eficiência térmica do motor, coeficiente de tração, resistência ao rolamento e rendimento em tração. Em solo firme, o desempenho energético do trator foi superior em relação ao mobilizado, o qual possibilitou maior rendimento tratoreo e na barra de tração com menor consumo específico de combustível. O uso da distribuição de massa entre eixo de 35/65% proporcionou a maximização na tração do conjunto motomecanizado, decorrente da redução do dispêndio energético gerado pelo patinamento e consequentemente o máximo aproveitamento da energia disponibilizada pelo conjunto mecanizado. Entretanto, a máxima conversão da energia contida no combustível em trabalho é obtida com a configuração 45/55%.

ABSTRACT: An adjustment of the agricultural tractor is necessary to achieve energy efficiency, which can be done through the correct distribution of mass between the axles for each operating surface. This research evaluated different distributions of mass between axles in a 93 kW tractor equipped with auxiliary front-wheel drive, on two soil surfaces. The experiment was carried out in strip design, with a double factorial scheme (2 x 3), with two soil surfaces (mobilized and firm) and three mass distributions between axes (35/65%, 40/60% and 45/55%), with five repetitions, totaling 30 parcels. The slippage parameters of the front and rear wheelset, engine rotation, hourly and specific fuel consumption, force, power and yield on the drawbar, displacement speed, engine thermal efficiency, traction coefficient, rolling resistance, and yield in traction. On firm soil, the energy performance of the tractor was superior in relation to the mobilized one, which allowed greater tractor and drawbar performance with lower specific fuel consumption. The use of a 35/65% between-axle mass distribution provided maximum traction for the mechanized set, resulting from the reduction in energy expenditure generated by skating and; consequently, the maximum use of the energy made available by the mechanized set. However, the maximum conversion of energy contained in the working fuel is obtained with the 45/55% setting.

RESUMO A roda do trator agrícola interage diretamente com o solo, afetando seu desempenho energético e operacional. Diversos trabalhos estudam as particularidades entre configurações de rodado buscando interpretar o tipo e arranjo mais eficiente de rodagem, entretanto ainda há uma demanda de estudos que elucidem a tomada de decisão quanto a necessidade da troca do tipo de rodado ou melhoria do arranjo pré-existente. O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho energético do trator agrícola quando equipado com rodas radiais simples e diagonais duplas no eixo traseiro, em operação de gradagem intermediária. O experimento em faixas foi conduzido no delineamento de blocos casualizado, nas parcelas dois arranjos de rodados (radiais simples e diagonais duplas) e nas subparcelas quatro velocidades alvo (4, 6, 8 e 10 km h-1), com quatro repetições, totalizando 32 unidades experimentais. Foi monitorado a patinagem dos rodados, rotação do motor, consumo horário e específico de combustível, força, potência e rendimento na barra de tração, velocidade operacional e eficiência térmica do motor. Os dados coletados foram submetidos a análise de variância e, quando significativo, ao teste de Tukey e análise de regressão. Os pneus radiais simples proporcionaram acréscimo da velocidade e força na barra de tração sem acréscimo do consumo de combustível, proporcionando, consequentemente, um incremento no desempenho energético e operacional em operação de gradagem intermediaria.

ABSTRACT The farm tractor wheel interacts directly with the soil, affecting its energy and operational performance. Several works study the particularities between configurations of wheelset seeking to interpret the most efficient type and arrangement of the wheelset. However, there is still a demand for studies that elucidate decision-making regarding changing the type of wheelset or improving the pre-existing arrangement. The experiment aimed to evaluate the energy performance of farm tractors equipped with Single radial and Dual diagonal wheels in rear axle in intermediate harrowing operation. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design. Two-wheel arrangements (Single radial and Dual diagonal) were used in the blocks, and four target velocities (4, 6, 8, and 10 km h-1), with four replicates in the subblocks, totalizing 32 experimental units. Slip of wheels, engine rotation, hourly and specific fuel consumption, force, power, and efficiency in the drawbar, operational velocity, and engine thermal efficiency were monitored. The data collected were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, to the Tukey test and regression analysis. The Single radial tires provided an increase in velocity and drawbar force without increasing fuel consumption, consequently providing an increase in energy and operating performance in intermediate harrowing operation.

RESUMO O estabelecimento de lavouras de grãos no Brasil é um importante processo industrial na cadeia agrícola, exigindo a correta deposição do fertilizante granulado no sulco de semeadura e avaliações mais eficientes, precisas e sustentáveis na operação, que podem ser obtidas com o controle estatístico do processo. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da velocidade angular em diferentes inclinações do mecanismo de dosagem helicoidal sobre a deposição de fertilizante granulado. Uma bancada eletrônica automatizada foi usada para avaliar a qualidade de deposição de fertilizantes granulados considerando diferentes velocidades angulares (1,11, 1,94 e 2,77 m s-1) e inclinações longitudinais e transversais (+15, +7,5, 0, −7,5 e −15°), com dosador helicoidal por transbordamento. Os dados de fluxo foram coletados e submetidos à estatística descritiva e ao controle estatístico do processo. O mecanismo de medição apresentou variações esperadas, com desempenho aceitável sob controle de processo. Os valores de vazão do fertilizante granulado aumentaram com o aumento da velocidade, destacando-se inclinações longitudinais de +7,5 e + 15°, proporcionando maior deposição de fertilizante.

ABSTRACT The establishment of grain crops in Brazil is an important industrial process in the agricultural chain, requiring the correct deposition of granular fertilizer over the sowing furrow and more efficient, precise, and sustainable assessments in the operation, which can be achieved with the statistical process control. This study aimed to assess the effect of the angular velocity on different inclinations of the helical metering mechanism on the granular fertilizer deposition. An automated electronic bench was used to assess the deposition quality of granular fertilizers considering different angular velocities (1.11, 1.94, and 2.77 m s-1) and longitudinal and transverse inclinations (+15, +7.5, 0, −7.5, and −15°), with the helical doser by overflow. Flow data were collected and submitted to descriptive statistics and statistical process control. The metering mechanism showed expected variations, with acceptable performance under process control. The values of the flow rates of the granular fertilizer increased as velocity increased, standing out longitudinal inclinations of +7.5 and +15°, providing higher fertilizer depositions.

ABSTRACT The efficiency of agricultural tractor transmission has been improved over the years, with new concepts such as Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Full Powershift (FPS) evolving in advanced technologies. Both options seek to offer the farmer greater operational results with lower energy expenditure, necessitating studies to assess the effectiveness of these technologies and define the best choice for each purpose. The objective of this work was to evaluate the energy efficiency of two tractors equipped with CVT and FPS transmissions. For this, a strip experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, that analyzed, in addition to CVT and FPS transmissions, target velocities of 4, 6, 8 and 10 km h-1. Operational energy performance parameters were evaluated, such as slippage index, engine rotation, operational velocity, fuel consumption, power available and efficiency on the drawbar, turbo pressure and temperatures of air intake and exhaust gas. Based on the results obtained, the tractor with FPS transmission was more energy efficient in most of the analyzed parameters, requiring 16.31% less in hourly fuel consumption, and providing 16.29% more in the traction bar yield, however, with lower operational velocity compared to the tractor with CVT transmission.

RESUMO A eficiência do trator agrícola pode ser acrescida com sua assertiva adequação operacional, sendo a lastragem um dos fatores fundamentais para obtenção de bons níveis de desempenho, pois está intimamente relacionada com o rendimento energético e operacional. Desta forma, o objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito de lastragem hidráulica e sólida, sob diferentes frações, no desempenho do trator agrícola. O experimento em faixas foi conduzido no delineamento de blocos casualizados, sendo os tratamentos compostos pelas cinco configurações massa de base (B0), B0 + 40% hidráulico (LH 40%), B0 + 40% sólido (LS 40%), B0 + 75% hidráulico (LH 75%) e B0 + 75% sólido (LS 75%), e quatro velocidades, com cinco repetições, totalizando 100 unidades experimentais. Para determinar a eficiência do trator 4 x 2 TDA com potência nominal de 125,2 kW foram monitorados os parâmetros de patinamento dos rodados, rotação do motor, consumo horário e específico de combustível, força, potência e rendimento na barra de tração, velocidade operacional e eficiência térmica do motor. Os dados coletados foram submetidos a análise de variância, e quando significativo, ao teste de Tukey e análise de regressão. Através dos resultados obtidos foi observado que a utilização da lastragem hidráulica na fração de 75% apresentou desempenho energético e operacional superiores, destacando-se as variáveis rotação do motor, força na barra de tração, velocidade operacional e consumo específico de combustível. Verificou-se que o incremento da velocidade operacional pode proporcionar ganho sobre a eficiência energética e operacional, no entanto, pode gerar sobrecarga no motor em algumas configurações de lastragem.

ABSTRACT The efficiency of the agricultural tractor can be increased with its assertive operational adequacy, ballasting being one of the fundamental factors for obtaining good performance levels, as it is closely related to energy and operational performance. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of hydraulic and solid ballast, under different fractions, on the performance of the agricultural tractor. The banded experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with the treatments consisting of the five configurations of base mass (B0), B0 + 40% hydraulic (HB 40%), B0 + 40% solid (SB 40%), B0 + 75% hydraulic (HB 75%) and B0 + 75% solid (SB 75%), and four target speeds, with five repetitions, totaling 100 experimental units. To determine the efficiency of the tractor, 4 x 2 AFWD with a rated power of 125.2 kW, the parameters of wheel slip, engine rotation, hourly and specific fuel consumption, power, power, and efficiency in the drawbar, operating speed and thermal efficiency of the engine were monitored. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance/ when significant, submitted to the Tukey test and regression analysis. The obtained results verified that using the hydraulic ballast in the fraction of 75% presented superiority in the energetic and operational performance, highlighting the engine rotation, force in the drawbar, operational speed, and specific fuel consumption. The increase in operational speed can provide gains in energy and operational efficiency; however, it can generate overload on the engine in some ballast configurations.

RESUMO A introdução de novas tecnologias a bordo das máquinas agrícolas é constante, para maior desempenho energético e eficiência operacional. Recentemente, sistemas de gerenciamento eletrônico são capazes de realizar a seleção da marcha e rotação do motor automaticamente, visando o menor consumo horário de combustível. O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar a eficiência energética e operacional do trator agrícola com gerenciamento automático da transmissão e rotação do motor, submetido a tração de diferentes cargas. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento de blocos casualizado, em faixas de 50 m, com dois fatores: o sistema de gerenciamento automático da transmissão e rotação do motor (com e sem) e três cargas diferentes aplicadas na barra de tração, com quatro repetições. Os dados coletados foram submetidos a análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. O sistema de gerenciamento automático da transmissão e rotação do motor proporcionou redução de 20% no patinamento, aumento de 10% na velocidade operacional e economia de 28% no consumo horário de combustível.

HIGHLIGHTS Electronic gear selection and autonomous engine rotation management bring benefits to tractor driving. The electronic management responded positively to the increase in the traction load. The use of electronic management software should be more widespread among farmers and researchers.

RESUMO A eficiência em tração do trator agrícola pode ser maximizada ajustando a massa total e sua distribuição entre os eixos. O objetivo do experimento foi determinar a configuração de distribuição de massa entre eixos e velocidade de deslocamento que proporcione maior eficiência em tração na operação de gradagem. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento em blocos casualizados no esquema fatorial 2 × 3, com cinco repetições, sendo o primeiro fator duas distribuições de massa entre eixos e o segundo fator três marchas. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. A condição que maximiza o desempenho do trator corresponde a 39% da massa total no eixo dianteiro e 61% no eixo traseiro, com marcha que proporcione velocidade próxima a 10 km h-1.

ABSTRACT The traction efficiency of the agricultural tractor can be maximized by adjusting the total mass and its distribution between the axles. The experiment’s objective was to determine the configuration of mass distribution between axles and the displacement speed that provides greater traction efficiency in the harrowing operation. A randomized block design in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme with five replications was used. The first factor was two mass distributions between axles, and the second factor was three gears. The collected data were submitted to analysis of variance and the Tukey test. The condition that maximizes the tractor’s performance corresponds to 39% of the total mass on the front axle and 61% on the rear axle, with a gear that provides speed close to 10 km h-1.

RESUMO A escolha da máquina para realizar a colheita de grãos deve levar em consideração um menor consumo de combustível com maior velocidade de operação, a fim de obter maior eficiência energética e operacional, aliada ao maior desempenho dos sistemas de trilha, separação e limpeza de grãos, com menores índices de danos e desperdícios. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho operacional e a eficiência energética de duas colhedoras axiais, com diferentes sistemas de trilha e separação na colheita de sementes de soja. Para isso, o experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em faixas de 500 m, sendo avaliados dois fatores: duas colhedoras axiais (um e dois rotores) e seis velocidades alvo (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, e 8 km h-1). Em relação ao desempenho energético operacional, foram avaliados os parâmetros de consumo horário de combustível, velocidade operacional, capacidade operacional de campo, consumos de combustível por área e por massa de grãos colhidos e capacidade de manuseio da colheita. Parâmetros relacionados ao índice de colheita também foram avaliados, como porcentagem de perdas na plataforma e no sistema de trilha, grãos quebrados, impurezas e vagens sem debulha. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a colhedora de rotor um rotor apresentou melhor eficiência energética, enquanto a colhedora de rotor duplo apresentou melhor desempenho operacional. A colhedora de rotor duplo também foi mais eficiente agronomicamente.

ABSTRACT The decision-making capability of the machine to harvest grains must consider a lower fuel consumption with a higher operating velocity allied to a greater performance of the grain cleaning system, along with lower rates of the damage and waste produced. This study aimed at evaluating the operational performance and the energy efficiency of two axial harvesters, having different trail and separation systems in the soybean seed harvest. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design in 500-m bands, consisting of two factors, namely two axial harvesters (single and double rotor) and six target velocities (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 km h-1). Regarding the operational energy performance, the hourly fuel consumption, operational speed, operational field capacity, fuel consumption per area and mass of the harvested grain, and the handling capacity of the harvest were evaluated. The harvesting performance parameters, such as the percentage losses in the platform and the trail system, broken grains, impurities, and the pods, which did not undergo threshing, were evaluated. The results obtained showed that the single-rotor harvester had a better energy efficiency, while the double-rotor harvester had a better operational performance. The double-rotor harvester was agronomically more efficient.

ABSTRACT Studies on the longitudinal distribution of seeds in the sowing row seek to improve crop homogeneity, thus generating high productivity. In this context, seed tubes must be analyzed for their angular curvature. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the seed tube curvature on the longitudinal distribution of corn and soybean seeds at different speeds. Two experiments were conducted completely randomized in a double factorial design. The first factor consisted of the seed tube curvature (straight and curved) and the second factor consisted of sowing speeds (1.11, 1.39, and 1.67 m s−1 for corn and 1.39, 1.67, 1.94, and 2.22 m s−1 for soybean), with five replications. The parameters analyzed to measure the longitudinal distribution were the number of seeds per meter, average spacing, double, flawed, and acceptable spacings, coefficient of variation, and precision index. The results were subjected to normality and homogeneity tests of residuals, followed by an analysis of variance and Tukey test, when significant. The curved seed tube showed the highest efficiency in the measured parameters for both corn and soybean. The increase in sowing speed had a negative influence on the evaluated parameters, especially in the soybean crop.