Anchor mechanism to increase the operator clearance zone on narrow-track wheeled agricultural tractors: Static and field upset test results

In agricultural activities, tractor overturning remains a serious problem. As an additional system to rollover protective structures (ROPS) for reducing the risk of overturning, anchor mechanisms can provide an increased safety zone for the driver. In this study, the effectiveness of an anchor mechanism for narrow-track agricultural tractors was examined. To determine the strength of the system, a static side-loading test and field test were performed to the anchor mechanism. In the field test, strain gauges were installed to determine the forces affecting the anchor mechanism. In order to interpret the overturning behaviour, accelerometers and orientation sensors were attached on to the tractor. During the test, the tractor rolled over up to 119°. According to the video images, the time between the front tyre coming off the ground and the anchor hitting the ground was 520 ms while the total time of overturning was 720 ms.