what is draft control on tractor

Draft control is an important feature found on many modern tractors that helps farmers maintain a consistent depth of tillage or cultivation. It manages the height and depth of the cultivation tools behind the tractor, ensuring that they remain in contact with the ground and do not bounce or leave ridges. In this article, we will explore what draft control is and how it works on a tractor.

What is Draft Control?

Draft control, sometimes referred to as Automatic Draft Control (ADC), is a system on a tractor that ensures that the cultivation tools maintain the desired depth and level of pressure on the ground. It works by measuring the amount of force or resistance being exerted on the tractor as it pulls the tools through the soil. The system then adjusts the height of the tools or the level of pressure they exert on the soil, ensuring that they remain at the proper depth.

How Does Draft Control Work?

The draft control system on a tractor uses a hydraulic system to adjust the height or pressure of the cultivation tools behind the tractor. The system includes a hydraulic cylinder that is attached to the hitch arms of the tractor. The cylinder is connected to a control valve that regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid, allowing the operator to adjust the height and pressure of the cultivation tools.When the tractor is moving through the soil, the draft control system measures the amount of force being exerted on the tractor. If the force increases, indicating that the tools are encountering resistance or beginning to bounce, the system reacts by lowering the tools or increasing the pressure they exert on the soil. Conversely, if the force decreases, indicating that the tools are lifting out of the ground, the system responds by raising the tools or decreasing the pressure exerted on the soil.

Advantages of Draft Control

The use of draft control has several benefits for farmers and tractor operators. First, it helps to reduce fuel consumption by ensuring that the cultivation tools remain at the proper depth and pressure, minimizing the amount of energy required to pull the load. Second, it helps to reduce soil compaction by maintaining a consistent depth of tillage, which allows the soil to remain loose and aerated. Finally, it helps to reduce wear and tear on the tractor and implements by minimizing bouncing and vibration, which can damage both the equipment and the soil.

Conclusion

Draft control is an important feature found on many modern tractors that helps farmers maintain a consistent depth of tillage or cultivation. It uses a hydraulic system to adjust the height and pressure of the cultivation tools behind the tractor, ensuring that they remain in contact with the ground and do not bounce or leave ridges. The benefits of draft control include reduced fuel consumption, reduced soil compaction, and reduced wear and tear on equipment and soil. Tractor operators should be familiar with draft control and use it to improve efficiency and productivity on the farm.