Korean Journal of Agricultural Science ISSN:2466-2402(Print) 2466-2410(Online) 농업과학연구

This study aimed to evaluate the engine load factor (LF) of a 90 kW agricultural combine harvester. The combine harvester used in this study is equipped with an electronic engine, and real-time engine data (torque and speed) was collected through a controller area network. The speed of the combine harvester during harvesting operation was divided into three levels (4, 5, and 6 km/h) for the representative operation speed range of 4 to 6 km/h. The LF was calculated using the engine load data measured in real time during harvesting. A weight was applied to the LF for each condition based on a survey of the usage. Results of the field test showed that the LF was 0.53, 0.64, and 0.87 at working speeds of 4, 5, and 6 km/h, respectively. The highest engine load factor was recorded at 6 km/h. Finally, based on the weight for the usage applied, the integrated engine LF was analyzed to be 0.69, which is approximately 144% higher than the currently applied LF of 0.48. A study on LF analysis for the entire work cycle, including idling and driving of the combine harvester, will be addressed in a future study.