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Traction systems for agricultural vehicles compact soil much more than the optimal density for crop yield. For this reason crop yields decrease both in the season in which compaction occurs and in subsequent years. That is why the soil compaction problem may be considered an ecological one. Among the well-known traction systems used to decrease soil compaction are; decrease of air pressure in tires, dual wheels, multi-axle wheel and crawler traction systems, improvement of tire deformation properties, etc. However, the analysis performed revealed contradictory results of using the above ways under varying operating conditions. Thus, it is not clear at what soil conditions it is appropriate to apply dual wheels, multi-axle wheel traction systems, or special appliances to increase the propulsion system's contact surface and thereby decrease its compaction. Different traction systems have varying effects on compaction for arable and sub-arable soil layers.

The effect agricultural machinery traffic on soil is minimized in various ways. Some of these techniques are very effective. By creating various designs of traction systems and by using rational parameters, it is possible to attain substantial improvement of operational properties with agricultural machinery. It is possible to increase the mobility and tractive efficiency, to decrease the soil compaction, fuel consumption, etc. This paper will show the operating conditions of tractors and agricultural machinery in Belarus and the requirements for traction systems at various periods of operation. It will also show the experience of creating and developing designs of track and half-track (rubber belted) propulsion systems for tractors and other agricultural vehicles. Such designs have been created for 60 kW tractors, harvesters and other machines. Quickly removable designs of wheel-track systems are proposed.