Question

A tractor with a mass of 1600 kg develops a maximum tractive effort of 3000 N in top gear on a concrete surface. The total rolling resistance is 160 N. If the gradient angle is defined as the angle that the inclined plane makes with the horizontal, the maximum gradient can be negotiated by the tractor is _________

(a) 10.44°

(b) 11.63°

(c) 29.4°

(d) 34.29°

The question was posed to me during an internship interview.

Asked question is from Tractor Classification and Details topic in section Lubrication System and Tractor’s Classification of Farm Machinery

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) 10.44°

Explanation: Referring to figure

In the limiting case:

3000 = mtg sin θ + 160

mtg sin θ = 3000-160

mtg sin θ = 2840

sin θ = \(\frac{2840}{mtg}=\frac{2840}{1600*9.8} \)

sin θ = 0.18112

θ = sin^-1(0.18112)

θ = 10.44°.