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The paper considers a new technique for assessing the technical level of agricultural tractors competing in one power range. The existing methods of evaluation of technical level, both in Russia and abroad, are associated with expert approach that is limited by the qualitative nature of conclusions, which does not allow to predict quantitative change in performance. In this regard, if there are up to 35 models in the Russian market with equal power capabilities, the problem of making a choice arises. A general indicator of technical level is the ratio of the replacement capacity of the arable unit based on a tractor model under consideration to the replacement capacity of the arable unit based on a reference tractor, which are determined by computer simulation in reference conditions.

The present article addresses issues related to the development of a scientifically-based classification of agricultural tractors with consideration of problems associated with international harmonization of testing requirements and classification parameters; it describes the disadvantages of classification of tractors by maximum towing power achieved on a concrete surface, which is used abroad. The authors state the requirements for towing and power classification of agricultural tractors, which should act as a framework for energy harmonization of sets of tractors with sets of machines independently from developers and manufacturers; and demonstrate the need for harmonization of typical size classification series of towing and power parameters with series of preferred numbers recommended by International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The objective of this study is to identify the most popular agricultural tractor models in Russia by their engine ratings and countries of origin. This review presents an analysis of changes in the composition of engine-ratings and sales volume of agricultural tractors in the Russian market between 2008 and 2014. Including knock-down kits, the countries of origin are Russia, the CIS-countries and non-CIS Countries. The variety of manufacturers, highlight the leading international companies which have supplied up to 200 units is discussed. The papers shows that CIS-manufactured tractors represent the greatest number in the market - up to 57 per cent, tractors from non-CIS countries occupy up to 12 per cent of the market, and the number of Russian models is quite limited - 3.0 per cent in 2012 and 3.4 per cent in 2014.

Maximum pressure is an essential parameter determining the degree of environmental impact of pneumatic tractor wheels on soils. The authors of the paper offer a method for determining and adjusting maximum pressure of a pneumatic tractor wheels on the supporting surface. The paper contains an analysis of the variation of maximum pressure on soils for various values of internal tire pressure and vertical load on a wheel. The above method allows parameters for systems of monitoring and adjustment of maximum pressure on soils to be set up by measuring tire flexure and adjusting it through changing the internal air pressure.

A feature of the present state of the Russian agricultural industry is that productive resources (tractor pool, arable land area and number of workers involved) are diminishing and the reduction does not have a quantified value. In the prevailing conditions of limited resources, agricultural enterprises are forced to operate tractors beyond their amortization periods on a massive scale, which results in an unpredictable service life. This situation calls for an assessment of the optimal composition of the tractor pool in terms of number and age. By way of a solution to this problem, the given article presents a methodological approach as to the analysis of two opposing factors. On the one hand, it takes into account the fact that the use of tractors beyond their depreciation periods leads to increased costs of their operation and further yield losses related to the poor technical condition factor, which is proportional to the number of tractors with expired depreciation periods.