Use of a weight transfer hitch to increase the critical direct descent slopes of a tractor with trailed equipment
by A.G.M. Hunter
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 2, No. 4, 1981

Abstract: A weight transfer hitch on an agricultural tractor is normally used to give greater wheel traction when pulling trailed equipment. The hitch can equally be used to increase tractor wheel braking force and so increase the critical slope, which is the maximum slope on which the braking force is sufficient to prevent the tractor sliding downhill. The weight transfer hitch therefore has considerable potential as a safety aid in reducing the number of accidents due to tractor overturning which start when a tractor slides downhill. Optimum use of the weight transfer hitch is analysed, and the effect of using a weight transfer hitch is shown to be similar to replacing a two-wheel drive tractor with a four-wheel drive one. The weight transfer hitch is most effective when used with light balanced trailed equipment, but by comparison trailer brakes are most effective with heavy trailed equipment.

Online publication date: Sun, 25-May-2014

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