The motion of plough during a quasi-static tillage process is opposed by a high tillage resistance that typically limits the cutting depth to 30 cm. This study experimentally investigates the effects of the blade geometry and operating conditions on the draft force during tillage. Scaled V-multi-shank ploughs with three different blade angles are examined at different soil types, tillage speeds and cutting depths. Tests are repeated with an added plough vibratory motion at various frequencies and amplitudes. Blade vibration during the tillage process is found to have a considerable effect in reducing
the tillage resistance. This effect may occasionally lead to overcoming the resistance at operating conditions where the driving mechanism without vibration could not match the tillage requirements. Results show that tillage depth, tillage velocity and blade angle all have direct and proportional effects on the tillage resistance force. Vibration frequency and
amplitude on the other hand, reflect in desirable inverse and proportional effects.