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Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research Department

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	Southwest Research Institute is actively involved in almost every aspect of tractor component, transmission, and hydraulic fluid evaluations.

The tractor laboratory at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been evaluating lubricants and components for more than 30 years in a variety of procedures for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as oil additive suppliers. SwRI has performed:

• Tractor testing

• Tractor hydraulic fluid testing

• ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) testing

Tractor Evaluation Capabilities

Recognized as a leader in the testing of lubricants, components, and vehicles, SwRI engineers and technicians work under ISO Guidelines for providing quality testing services in a timely and cost-effective manner. SwRI has a staff of more than 2,973. Among those are scientists and engineers whose expertise can be called upon to resolve technical issues. We also have in-house fabrication, a machine shop, and instrumentation capabilities.

• We have more than thirty years of experience in testing tractors and components; many staff members have more than 10 years. experience in tractor testing.

  	SwRI engineers designed and assembled a chassis dynamometer for endurance testing of compact utility tractors.

• Timely proposals can be prepared, outlining cost-effective solutions.

• SwRI is independent and nonprofit.

• As part of a long-held tradition, patent rights arising from sponsored research at SwRI are often assigned to the client. SwRI generally retains the rights to SwRI-funded advancements.

• All test data is confidential.

• Customer service is a priority.

• SwRI's goal is to help customers get their products to the marketplace and to help keep them there in response to regulation and competition.

European Tractor Evaluation

With the cooperation of our experienced engineers and scientists, European Economic Community (EEC) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tests can be conducted on new tractor designs. Satisfactory test results are needed in order to sell tractors in many European countries.

Other Evaluation Techniques

Examples of tests that can be performed include:

• ROPS

• Braking tests

• Noise tests

Cold weather operation testing can be simulated in our cold box. Engine and hydraulic system parameters can be recorded by data acquisition systems.

Tractor Axle Dynamometer

An example of our tractor testing capability is our tractor axle dynamometer. This dynamometer was designed for testing agricultural or industrial tractors under controlled conditions. The dyno easily adjusts to accommodate different makes and models of tractors. The maximum torque load that can be applied is in excess of 50,000 lb-ft (67,785 Nm). The torque is controlled independently for each wheel by a microprocessor-based process controller. Data acquisition is also available. This equipment has been used successfully to perform drive train endurance and clutch life tests.

For more information about our tractor evaluation and technology capabilities, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Michael Lochte at mlochte@swri.org or call (210) 522-5430.

tractortesting.swri.org 

| Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

December 28, 2012