Comparative Analysis of Static Rollover Stability Between Conventional and Electric Tractor

Juhee Lee, Seokho Kang, Yujin Han, Jinho Son and Yushin Ha ()
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Juhee Lee: Department of Smart Bio-Industrial Mechanical Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Seokho Kang: Upland-Field Machinery Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Yujin Han: Upland-Field Machinery Research Center, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Jinho Son: Department of Smart Bio-Industrial Mechanical Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
Yushin Ha: Department of Smart Bio-Industrial Mechanical Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-15

Abstract: As the development of electric tractors progresses, battery systems have become a key component, accounting for a significant portion of the vehicle’s total weight. With rollover accidents remaining a leading cause of fatal injuries in agricultural machinery, the stability of electric tractors is drawing increasing attention. In particular, battery placement may critically affect the overall mass distribution and rollover behavior, highlighting the need for safety-focused design optimization. This study evaluates the static rollover stability of a 55 kW electric tractor by analyzing the effect of battery mounting position and comparing it with a conventional tractor. Three tractor models were considered: an electric tractor with a front-mounted battery, one with a center-mounted battery, and a conventional tractor. Multibody dynamic simulations were conducted using RecurDyn, and a total of 24 orientations, at 15° intervals, were simulated to determine the tipping angles in all directions. The results revealed that battery placement had a significant impact on rollover stability. The front-mounted battery type exhibited up to 30% higher tipping angles than the conventional tractor in the forward pitch direction near 90°, indicating improved stability. In contrast, the center-mounted battery type showed a tipping angle distribution generally similar to that of the conventional tractor, with smaller variations across directions. These findings demonstrate the influence of mass distribution on rollover safety and provide valuable insight for structural design of electric tractors.

Keywords: electric tractor; multibody dynamic simulation; tipping angle; rollover stability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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