Assessing the Durability of Heavy-Duty Parts of Soil-Cutting Machines with the Size Optimization and Structure Modification

A method for predicting the service life of soil-cutting parts of agricultural machinery is substantiated based on the optimization of their dimensions and modification of surface layer structure. The efficiency of the UDGZ-200 plasma strengthening unit application for the treatment of such parts is assessed. Field testing has shown that the service life of a ploughshare is directly proportional to the relative wear resistance of the material and inversely proportional to the wear resistance of the soil, the pressure of the abrasive medium, the velocity of the plough and the sharpening angle of the blade. In this case, the greater is the sharpening angle, the faster can the blade reach the maximum thickness and be rejected owing to a poor penetrating ability. It has been confirmed that the plasma strengthening of heavy-duty soil-cutting parts can provide a significant increase in the profitability of agricultural production. Owing to the quenching to a depth ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 mm, the service life of the parts exhibits a 2–3-fold increase depending on soil conditions, and the time required for replacing worn parts decreases.