INNOVATION PATENTED

01 June 2021

Engineering at its best. Mr. Takeji Tanaka (Advanced Engineering Department, Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co. Ltd.) got the Shimane Governor Award Patent for his inventive Tractor’s Automatic 4WD Changeover Control. When conventional technology is used, the operator needs to use the switch or lever every time he wants to change from 2WD to 4WD efficiency, as per the road conditions. With the innovative technology, the driver can continue doing his work, while the tractor automatically changes from 2WD to 4WD mode of functioning depending on the driving conditions. This invention reduces the unstable state of the vehicle, which occurs due to the slippage of the tractor while running, and improves complicated switching operations, enabling safe and secure work conditions. Here’s how the automatic system works. When the vehicle control unit is in 2WD, it calculates the rotation ratio of the rear wheels (which are the driving wheels) and the front wheels (which are the driven/non-driving wheels) and switches between 4WD and 2WD according to the rotation ratio. Even when the tractor starts running, the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels tends to be large, the control unit memorises the previous rotation ratio and compares it with the current rotation ratio, so that it can regulate unnecessary changeover to 4WD. The invention is a huge contribution to improve safety and efficiency in functioning, and enhance the farming experience.