Evaluation of the energy absorbed by the ROPS frame in controlled tractor overturning with different tyre configurations

Real tractor overturn tests provide a means for investigating Roll-Over Protective Structures’ (ROPS) test criteria. This paper presents the first results of controlled lateral rollover testing carried out with a modern narrow track tractor. The acquisition systems installed on the tractor, based on load and displacement transducers, allowed a direct measurement of the energy absorbed by the ROPS frame at the contact points, however the effect of the silent blocks was not measured. An associated video record of the overturning event provided explanation and support of the data acquired. The overturning was repeated a number of times and with two different types of tyres. The narrow tyre configuration subjected the ROPS frame to more energy than the wide tyre one, with an average ratio of the energy absorbed by the ROPS frame being approximately 3:1.