A data-acquisition system to monitor performance of fully mounted implements

A data-acquisition system was developed for a three-point linkage-implement force and depth transducer to measure draught and implement depth for mounted implements of categories II and III. The transducer was equipped with an extended octagonal ring transducer in each of the lower link and a tension/compression load cell in the top link. A rotary position transducer attached to the rockshaft was used to measure the implement depth and the angular position of the linkage. The data-acquisition system and the transducers were installed on the Massey Ferguson 3090 tractor and tested in the field with a mounted-type chisel plough to determine the capability of the system. The resultant force was determined at implement depths of 7, 12 and 15 cm with coefficient of variations 3.18, 1.55 and 1.49%, respectively. Testing demonstrated that the data-acquisition system was capable to provide reliable results with acceptable accuracy. (C) 2000 Silsoe Research Institute.