Methodology for an automated farm tractor advancement system

Abstract

Within the framework of the Mecafutur programme, a Cemagref team is working on an information system for agricultural tractors. This computer displays information and advice to the driver for an optimization of the tractor-implement system. The goal is to improve the tractor use by the means of a friendly and efficient man-machine interface, that can help the driver to find best adjustements. The point developed here is the optimization of the engine resources, by the display of the most appropriated gear box and engine speed positions for the forgoing work. This paper deals with reasonings connecting engine power and driving comfort, as a new representation of the state of the functionning engine on the dashboard. These reasonings are also usable for the establishments of driving rules for a future system of automatic travelling of the tractor, as the "cruise control" system, already experimented for the speed maintenance on cars.