It is not enough to attach an ordinary tractor and start using it with a Laser Land Leveller. You must ensure that the hydraulic system and engine (HP) of the tractor match the requirements of the leveller so that you can level your land properly and economically. An incompatible tractor will produce uneven patches in your hectarage, which will cause higher fuel usage and wear out both the tractor and leveller faster.
This article will show you how to select appropriate HP and hydraulic systems on your tractor for proper operation and effective laser land levelling in various types of soils and field sizes in India.
If you do not already have a working knowledge of how these units function, you can refer to What Is a Laser Land Leveller? Its Use, Advantages, Cost etc.
Why Tractor HP & Hydraulics Matter for a Laser Land Leveller
The Laser Land Leveller requires tractor power to work efficiently. How much HP your tractor has determines how easily the levelling implement is pulled through your field. The hydraulic system on the tractor determines how quickly and smoothly the blade will work. Without enough power to pull the implement or a weak hydraulic system on the tractor, you will have unevenly levelled fields, an increase in time spent in the field, and an increase in fuel used.
A good way to think about it is: power moves it, hydraulics control it.
What Happens When Underpowered Tractor?
If Tractor is Low on HP:
- Leveller may operate inconsistent speed to its designed speed.
- You may have uneven crops, especially in sticky/heavy soils.
- The tractor run the risk of overheating the engine - due to being overloaded.
- Have excessively consumed fuel usage.
For these reasons, it is imperative that you clearly understand the proper HP output and hydraulic output before attaching any land levelling implement.
Minimum Tractor HP Required for a Laser Land Leveller (India)
Tractor horsepower (HP) needs vary according to the size of the field, type of soil, and width (size) of the laser land leveler.
An example of this is:
For smaller 4 to 6 ft Laser Land Leveller:
An efficient tractor would be one with a range of 45 to 55 HP.
Mid-sized 6 to 8 ft Laser Land Leveller:
Usually operate more effectively when paired with tractors that are 55 to 65 HP.
For larger models Laser Land Leveller:
You will typically need a tractor with at least 65 to 75 HP or more to get optimal performance.
These are only general guidelines. Each farm will have different soil conditions and work to be done per day. If you are working with denser, clay type soils or rough ground, you will need to use more horsepower.
Tractor Hydraulic System Basics for Laser Land Levelling
Tractor hydraulics enable the lift and lowering of the levelling blade in a smooth and even manner. A responsive hydraulic system allows the blade controlled by the laser to respond quickly to changes in topography thus providing an accurate level surface throughout the entire field.
Single Acting vs Double Acting Hydraulics
Single-acting hydraulic cylinders will raise the leveller blade in one direction (upward) and allow gravity to return the blade to its starting position.
Double acting hydraulic cylinders will raise and lower the leveller blade in both directions.
Double acting hydraulic systems allow more precise control of the leveller blade and are therefore preferred when using laser land levelling over an uneven surface.
Pressure and Flow Rate of Hydraulics:
Proper operation of the hydraulic system occurs through oil flow and hydraulic pressure; therefore, if there is not enough fluid or pressure coming from the hydraulic pump, the response time from the levelling blade may be significantly delayed or fail to function correctly. You should read and become familiar with the specifications of any tractor's hydraulic systems prior to making a decision on purchasing or using them.
Tractor Compatibility with Laser Land Levellers
Both 2WD and 4WD tractors can be utilized for laser leveller applications; however, in most cases, field conditions will dictate which type is best suited.
2WD Tractors
More than sufficient to operate on dry flat land with light soils.
4WD Tractors
Provide superior traction (pulling power) and stability in wet field conditions, on wetland rice paddies, and in heavy soil conditions.
Can Old Tractors Be Used?
If an old tractor has sufficient horsepower (HP) and an appropriate hydraulic system that meets the minimum specifications, it can operate a laser leveller. Upgrading existing tractors' hydraulic systems may dramatically improve performance; therefore, tractors should be evaluated before being mated with laser land levellers.
Field Conditions and Soil Types that Determine Tractor Choice
When using a laser leveller on different soil types, they will create different drag forces on the leveller. For instance, sand or dry soils will require less pull than wet sticky clay soils (which create more resistance), thus requiring tractors with greater HP.
To Select Higher Horsepower for Heavy Clay Field Levelling
Heavy clay (or moisture) content in your field necessitates the use of slightly higher horsepowers than a regular tractor to ensure smooth operation, while providing adequate horsepower under load.
Important Considerations When Selecting a Tractor for Laser Land Leveling
Some of the most common considerations are:
- Selecting horsepower before you check hydraulic requirements
- Not considering field conditions
- Not accounting for future property growth
- Failing to consult an expert before a purchase
We recommend reading our post How to Select the Appropriate Laser Land Level Model to gather helpful insights into how to match equipment with your needs before finalizing your tractor and/or level.
Pre-Use Checklist
Verify that your tractor meets the following specifications prior to leveling:
Conclusion
The correct pairing of your Laser Land Leveller to a tractor's hydraulic and horsepower will greatly impact the performance, fuel economy, and accuracy of your levelling. The extra steps taken in selecting a proper match between Laser Land Leveller and the tractor will pay off month after month and season after season.
Properly matched equipment will provide consistent results which will save water, reduce costs, and increase yield.
Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?
Contact Apogee Precision for expert guidance on selecting the right tractor and laser land leveller combination for your farm.