Analysis of structure and dynamic characteristics for an electric tractor platform

Seung-Min Baek, Min-Jong Park, Hyeon-Ho Jeon, Wan-Soo Kim, Yong Wook Kim, Yong Wook Kim, Yong Wook Kim, Yong Wook Kim

The electrification of agricultural tractors introduces significant changes in vehicle architecture, mass distribution, and structural load paths. In particular, the transition from conventional diesel tractor platforms employing engine-axle integrated load-bearing structures to electrified configurations based on modular frame architectures requires a systematic evaluation of platform-level structural performance. This study presents a structural assessment of a modular electrified tractor platform through integrated analyses of structural strength, static stiffness, and free vibration characteristics. A fully integrated finite element model representing the electrified tractor platform was evaluated under representative worst-case loading conditions, including impact, braking, and implement-induced working loads. In addition, the evolution of dynamic characteristics was investigated through comparative modal analysis between progressively integrated electrified tractor platform models and a reference diesel tractor platform of the same power rating employing an engine-axle integrated structural architecture. The results reveal localized stress concentrations under severe impact- and braking-dominated load cases; however, the overall frame structure satisfies structural safety requirements for typical agricultural operating conditions. The stiffness evaluation confirms that the modular frame architecture provides sufficient resistance to global bending and torsional deformation despite the absence of a conventional engine block acting as a primary load-bearing component. Modal analysis indicates reduced dominant natural frequencies due to increased structural mass associated with electrification, while the primary vibration modes remain sufficiently separated from typical excitation sources encountered during agricultural operation. Overall, the findings demonstrate the structural feasibility of modular electrified tractor platforms and provide a structural design basis for future development of electrified agricultural machinery.