Improving tractor reliability through monitoring of air parameters in the engine intake system

Ensuring the reliability of agricultural tractors remains a strategically important task, as numerous factors influence operating conditions. The objective of this study is to improve tractor reliability by continuously monitoring air parameters in the engine intake system. The methodology is based on long-term field operations of tractors under real-world conditions, including real-time monitoring of usage indicators via GPS terminals and sensors across multiple machines with varying ages and operating conditions. Statistical analysis of tractor failure data has shown that engine-related failures account for 30-40% of all failures, with a portion of these due to abrasive wear from dust particles entering the intake system. Existing diagnostic approaches do not monitor important parameters such as filtration efficiency or air intake system leaks. To address this issue, a comprehensive approach to airflow monitoring was developed, combining real-time measurement of contamination and pressure in the intake tract within a designed stabilization zone of the air intake system. The system was implemented on a fleet of tractors and evaluated under field operating conditions. The results indicate an observed 5–8% reduction in engine failure rates and suggest that the implementation of an air intake monitoring device may contribute to improving preventive maintenance and facilitate earlier detection of critical operating conditions.