There are different parts in the tractor, each of which must perform certain tasks. One of these parts is the differential. This part is one of the most important parts of every car and tractor, and in this article we will explain more about how it works, signs of failure, as well as the uses of this part.
What is a Tractor Differential?
The tractor differential is responsible for changing the direction of power transmission, and in other words, this piece consists of several bevel gears that take the engine power from the gearbox and distribute it to the wheels to rotate each part of the wheel. If the tractor does not have a differential, the wheels will lock and one wheel will drag on the ground when turning. In the process of power transmission, the power produced in the engine is transferred to the gearbox to create the necessary speed and torque, and its output will be transferred to the wheels using the crankshaft.
Differential tasks in the tractor
The differential in the tractor has different functions, which are:
1. Establishing coordination between the wheels when turning the tractor
In the tractor, the engine is placed on the chassis longitudinally, but the axis of the wheels must rotate transversely to change the direction between the axis of the wheels and the axis of the engine with a differential It will be possible.
2. Increasing the torque of tractor wheels
Given that the differential has two bevel gears with different diameters, it will increase the torque of the wheels and reduce their speed relative to the output axis of the gear.
3. Establishing coordination between the wheels when turning the tractor
The differential will divide the rotational power received according to the condition of the driving wheels. When driving in a straight line, because the Mahramt wheels are in the same position, they will rotate at the same speed, but when going around the corners, the path traveled by the inner wheel is less than the outer wheel. Therefore, the differential should rotate the inner wheel at a lower speed and the outer wheel at a higher speed. This action makes it possible to go around in turns.
Differential types
Locking differential will keep the speed of the shafts of one axis constant, so the left and right wheel will travel the same revolution. Also, this type of differential makes the axle with tension and without tension receive the same rotation. The automatic locking differential has a reasonable price and does not require the driver's intervention, but it makes a lot of noise when it is locked and unlocked.
2. Open differential
Open differential is the cheapest type of differential that is widely used in all vehicles. This differential model works in such a way that it will divide the output torque from the engine into two different directions, each of these outputs will have the ability to rotate at different speeds. One of the main disadvantages of this differential model is the inability to control the output torque. 3. Torque dividing differential
Torque dividing differential is one of the newest and most advanced types of differentials used in the vehicle manufacturing industry. In addition to its main duties, this differential model will also help with handling and maneuverability. This differential model uses speed and accelerometer sensors to constantly check the stability of the tractor and adopt the best strategy for dividing the power between the four wheels in this regard. These types of differentials are heavy and expensive and they calculate the safety of the driver first and speed is the second priority for them.
4. Limited slip differential with electric controller (LSD)
Limited slip differential with electric controller is used in racing cars. This model of differential is actually an example of a locking differential and has the same function as an open differential. The power output from the engine in this differential is adjusted between the wheels every second and does not transfer all the power to the wheels that have friction, but a percentage of the power is sent to the wheels that have less friction.