Design of the lubrication circuit of an agricultural tractor

Today the design of hydraulic and lubrication circuits is becoming more and more important. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for the design of the lubrication circuit of an agricultural tractor. In this paper the lubrication circuit of a continuously variable transmission is analysed. Several lines of the circuit are considered and in particular the lubrication of gears is discussed. The worst possible working condition which corresponds to the highest power dissipation for each part of the transmission is determined. The model of the lubrication circuit is developed with two different software simulations. In order to check the reliability of the simulation models and to characterise the lubrication circuit, experimental tests are performed. The comparison between the values of pressure drops obtained by the models and by the experimental test, demonstrates that it is possible to use these programs for the set up of a simple model of the lubrication circuit. The calculation of oil flows necessary for a force-fed lubrication of the gears, the simulation of the circuit by a commercial software, and the validation of the circuit design allow to set up a preliminary equilibrium among the pipes and a proper flow rate distribution. Optimising the circuit design in the initial phase of the project is very important. The experimental adjustment of the circuit, which is often difficult, can be simplified; time and cost production can be reduced.