AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

FARM SERVICES - 3 POINT HITCH DESIGN/BUILD OPTIMIZATION

We were asked by Farmservices Ltd of Pukekohe to produce drawings and verify the design of a tractor mounted trailer hitch.  After modelling the hitch in Solidworks, we analysed the model using "Cosmos Works" FEA package.  By applying restraints and loads to the unit we were able to determine the maximum stresses and suggest improvements to the design, increasing the F.O.S. from 1 to 3.  This type of analysis often confirms a 'gut feel' about where a stucture is likely to fail.  We used our analysis to optimise the design by adding strength where necessary but not over-engineering as cost is critical to this type of basic implement.