Purpose This study investigates the feasibility of applying asymmetric gears to enhance the performance of power transmis
sion systems in agricultural tractors.
Methods To evaluate the durability of a tractor transmission system incorporating asymmetric gears, a commercial software
package was used to develop a detailed model of the transmission. A representative load spectrum was defined based on
various agricultural operation conditions. Using the developed model, the bending and contact safety factors of the gears
were calculated in accordance with ISO standards. To examine the dynamic performance of the asymmetric gear system, an
analytical model based on potential theory was constructed. This model was employed to compute the mesh stiffness and
transmission error of the gears constituting the tractor transmission system.
Results The application of asymmetric gears improved the bending and contact fatigue strength of the gears in the tractor trans
mission system. Furthermore, the peak-to-peak transmission error under agricultural operating conditions was also reduced.
Conclusions The findings confirm that asymmetric gears can be effectively employed to improve the durability and dynamic
performance of agricultural tractor transmissions. Compared to alternative methods, this approach offers advantages in terms
of spatial constraints and requires minimal design modifications.