Compact Tractor 4.0: An Investigation for the Development of a Low-Profile Full Electric Specialized Tractor

The main goal of this paper is to set up the an adequate research program for the development of a low-profile, full-electric tractor model for orchard and vineyard. The prototype, properly arranged to support the agriculture 4.0 technology, will be equipped with a non-foldable and non-tiltable protective structure in case of overturning (ROPS), suitable to reduce the overall height of the machine, while effectively protect the driver in all working situations. To assure also a proper ergonomic level, reference was made to the European regulation 1322/2014; more in detail concerning safety, ISO 4254–1 and OECD Codes 4 and 7 were taken into account. In addition, to respect a front and/or rear track width less than 1150 mm (to make possible the classification as a narrow tractor), the prototype should have an overall height not exceeding 1600 mm and a minimum ground clearance of 250 mm. The research was initially aimed to the ascertainment of the tractor power required for the most common operations carried out in vineyards and orchards. As a reference, the CAN-bus data coming out of some high powered models (for the category, i.e. 74 kW) were analyzed, to investigate the real power requirement involving vineyard operations. The heaviest conditions were recorded in plant protection products distribution, carried out with the pneumatic sprayer. Moreover, a parametric analysis was conducted on a one degree-of-freedom 4WD tractor model to determine power needs for traction in different working conditions, concerning slope, travelling speed, terrain features, etc.