Energy requirements for agricultural production systems have been the subject of many studies during the past few years, especially since the oil embargo of 1973. We have now come to realize that the availability of fossil fuels in sufficient quantities, at any price, are dependent upon events in the world political arena. Therefore, it is necessary to define the energy sinks associated with our agricultural production system equipment so that better energy conservation measures can be developed. Through the development of such information, systems can be developed which result in a more optimum performance level for agricultural equipment. Domier and Williams (1978) state that "to achieve optimum performance, a compromise is necessary between maximum tractive efficiency, highest field capacity and minimal capital costs." Hopefully, this study should provide information to assist in achieving such a compromise.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and analyze the energy dissipation that occurred as a tractor pulled an implement across the field.