Operating and energetic performance of the assembly tractor-scarifier in different liquid ballasting and working depths

The working depth and ballasting are factors that can influence directly the operational and energy performance of a mechanized set. The objective of this study was to evaluate the operational and energetic performance of the set tractor-scarifier, working at three depths under two ballasting conditions. The study was conducted in the experimental area of mechanization of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the Federal University of Ceará in Fortaleza. The experimental design was of randomized blocks in a factorial scheme 2 x 3, with four replications, with two liquid ballasting (0 and 75% water) and three working depths (0.15; 0.30 and 0.40 m). The parameters evaluated were the soil water content, periodic and specific consumption of fuel, the overall work rate, slipping of the front and rear wheels of the tractor, travel speed, specific operational resistance, mobilized and lifting area, blistering, strength and power in the drawbar. The ballasting with 75% of water associated with a lower depth provided greater operational field capacity, lower demand for strength and power in the drawbar with lower fuel consumption by area.