Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory

In March I went to an open house at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory in Lincoln Nebraska. What a Trip! Brent Sampson, a Test Engineer, gave me a tour, and I was absolutely amazed at all the technology that is applied to each test. Tractors are tested according to test procedures of the OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development), the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), and ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers). The three codes differ slightly, and for the past 10 years the majority are preformed according to the OECD codes. I guess we all have rules to follow. PTO Performance, Drawbar Performance, Maximum Sound Level, Three Point Lift, and Hydraulic Flow. Each test is very precise within the test each aspect is calculated to the hundredth. So when you say this tractor is 140hp, no, it is 140.66hp. The test Lab is paid to be exact, and indeed they are. For example the sound measurement is made on the test track in two locations-at the drivers ear and in a location representing bystander noise. The test is performed at the drivers ear in several gears and under a number of conditions, even though only the maximum level is reported. The bystander sound test is with the microphone located 25ft. from centerline of the tractor and is accelerating from a lower speed to full speed in its top gear. Some examples of decibel levels are, a whisper is 15db, normal conversation is 60db, a lawnmower is 90db, jet engine is 120db. Take a John Deere 7630, at operators ear is 68.3db, and bystander 83.1db. Any sound above 85db can cause hearing loss, and the loss is related both to the power of the sound as well as the length of exposure. I am sure the sound level was off the chart with after market Cab’s we put on our tractors. It might have kept us out of the cold weather and wind, but it sure was loud and hot. Now everyone wonders why do I have the TV so loud? A manufacturer’s representative is present during all the tests to agree that the tractor is running at its maximum performance. All tests are done in certain conditions such as the temperature, and relative humidity range. Whether outside or inside. That way all manufacturers will be equal during all tests. However, I have spent a lot of hours out in the field with less than normal conditions, so inspite of tests you still have to make your own determination---what is optimal for your working conditions.