Course stability models of a wide-width tractor unit

The purpose of the research is to provide for solving dynamic problems of course stability of a wide-width sowing and row-crop-tractor unit. For constructing a computational scheme for the generated problem applied the central finite-difference method with a second-order accuracy. When developing a machine algorithm, the fractional grid steps are converted by formulas and a vector equation is obtained. The results of scientific and practical research and testing to determine and evaluate performance of machine-tractor units (MTU) consisting of inter row spacing sowing and cultivators with four-wheel tractors were obtained. Studies on appropriateness of increasing coverage area of cotton units based on field size have shown that the shift productivity of eight-row units at planting was lower than that of four-row units when the field area was less than 3 hectares. When the field area was 3 hectares or more, the MTU’s productivity increased by 32–34%. A similar trend has been observed in the inter-row processing units. Field experiments have shown that it is advisable to maintain the existing four-row machine system on the basis of existing energy vehicles for 27-30% of cotton fields. Cauchy problem for finite-difference equations of dynamic problems of course stability of a wide-cut sowing and tilled-tractor unit was formed, in the form of algebraic equations. As a result, it was possible to build 6-, 8- and 10-row cultivator units based on four-wheel tractors.