The Lateral Stability and Dynamic Behaviour of Tractor Front Linkages

ABSTRACT

Tractor front linkages which have lateral freedom of movement are often unstable when used with ground engaging implements. If the linkage is made rigid, steering becomes difficult. Front linkage-implement combinations are shown to be stable only if the linkage is forward-converging and the ratio of the directional force constant (the side force exerted by the soil per unit of slip angle of the implement) to the draught force exceeds a critical value determined by the linkage-implement geometry.