NRC “Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Electrification” sent to “AutoKrAZ” results of testing the MEZ-330 tractor provided with the Hektor 1000 plough (Vogel Noot) at NRC “IAEE” Experimental Farm.
Decision on testing the MEZ-330 tractor by ploughing was taken because this kind of soil preparation requires the biggest amount of power. To determine performance parameters, the tractor has been equipped with measuring and recording equipment such as track measuring wheel, engine and wheel speed sensors and data recording unit.
Results of field tests of the MEZ-330 tractor with the Hektor-1000 tractor-mounted reversible 7-body plough are as follows: slipping does not exceed 15 percent with ploughing width of 2,8 m, depth of cultivation of 32 cm and speed of 7,5 km/h, capacity is 1,29 hа / h, fuel consumption is 25 l / ha. Moreover, coolant temperature did not exceed 900С, it proves that the engine operates within normal temperature. According to technicians, under these operating conditions (ploughing width of 2,8 m, depth of cultivation of 32 cm, while standard cultivation depth of tractor is 25 cm), fuel consumption is at the same level that that one of the К-744 tractor.
It should be noted that tractors made by European manufacturers are powered with engines with up-to-date fuel systems (John Deere, Case, Fendt, etc.), and fuel consumption is 5-7 percent less. However, given the price of foreign-made vehicles, Fendt 936 – UAH 5,6m, К-744 – UAH 3,2m, as compared to price of the MEZ-330, which is less expensive more than three and two times respectively, this parameter is not so attractive. What is more, owner of the national tractor will get vehicle that can be used for both carrying and soil cultivation. The next stage of tests: field tests of the MEZ-330 tractor provided with the XMS950 reversible 5-body plough.
