MACHINE MODELING AND SIMULATIONS, Machine Modelling and Simulations 2025

Font Size: 
Conceptual design with strength analysis based on the ROPS test for a tubular cover dedicated to the Kubota M135GX-IV tractor
Łukasz Gierz

Last modified: 16. 05. 2025

Abstract


Agricultural tractor equipped with appropriate class covers can replace specialised forest machines many times. Currently, on the Polish market, few authorised sellers offer tractors adapted to difficult forest conditions; therefore, as part of this work, the design of a tubular cover was carried out for the Kubota M135GX-VI agricultural tractor. The aim of this project was to adapt the tractor to work in high-risk conditions, under tree crowns and on slopes with varied inclination. In order to correctly design the tubular cover, current standards and regulations on the construction of cabins and tubular covers for agricultural and forestry machines were first analysed. Then, an analysis of the solutions available on the market was carried out and three original concepts were developed. These concepts were evaluated based on the adopted criteria, and the variant that obtained the highest number of points was selected. Furthermore, the most advantageous variant was subjected to a strength analysis using the finite element method (FEM), in accordance with the ROPS procedure. The test results showed that all the nodes included in the developed concept meet the strength condition.