The influence of tractor fleet growth on environmental pollution

Abstract

The article consists of 4 pages which contain theoretical calculations of gas emissions with regard to the growth of tractor fleet and distinguish the main segment (tractors in the 37-75 kW engine power class). Tractors are the main power supply in agriculture, therefore the increase in pollution is influenced by the rise of the number of tractors and other fleets of agricultural vehicles. Nowadays, machinery manufacturers and their users are forced to reduce fuel consumption and emission by environmental requirements. The greatest attention in the field of emission reduction is paid to carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO), unburned hydrocarbon (HC), soot (PM).Based on the data of the register of tractors, self-propelled and agricultural vehicles and their trailers, 143 480 tractors are registered in Lithuania, 81.0 per cent of which are tractors whose power does not exceed 75 kW. Tractors made by Eastern European manufacturers constitute as much as 37 per cent of tractor fleet, which although being popular for their competitive price, use more fuel to produce one kilowatt hour of energy than the Western models in the same power category. High comparative efficient fuel consumption results in considerable losses, high smoke and noxious gas emissions. Tractor power and engine efficiency have the greatest influence on fuel consumption and oxide emissions. Having carried out the theoretical calculations of oxide emissions of tractors in the 37-75 kW engine power class, it can be stated that the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) amounts to 0.63 tons per year, while particulate matter (PM) constitutes up to 0.02 tons per year.New reinvented tractors are subject to particularly strict Tier / Stage IV gas emission reduction regulations, however such tractors constitute a minor share on the overall tractor market.