Design and Fatigue Analysis of The Lower Arm Element of The Three-Point Hitch in Tractors

Abstract

Using materials with appropriate forms and properties in agricultural production is essential for preparing the soil bed and surface. The tools and equipment required for these operations are generally attached to the three-point suspension apparatus at the rear of the tractors. For this reason, the stresses to which the suspension apparatus is exposed and the fatigue behavior of the materials used are significant in design and manufacturing. This study aims to examine the static stress and fatigue analysis caused by the forces acting on the lower lifting arm of the three-point hitch of the tractors at different positions in terms of 55Cr3 and 42CrMo4 steels. Solidworks software created the lower lift arm model, and Ansys Workbench software analyzed stress and fatigue. Accordingly, the highest force was determined when the lower arm element was in the upper position. Minimum deformation occurred in 55Cr3 steel. However, the maximum fatigue life was at the same values for both materials. The safety factor of 55Cr3 steel was within acceptable limits. For this reason, according to its behavior during the total deformation and providing the safety factor, 55Cr3 steel can be preferred instead of 42CrMo4 steel in producing the lower lift arm.

Keywords

• Fatigue analysis
• stress analysis
• three-point hitch
• tractor

References

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