COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HARDENING TECHNOLOGIES FOR PLOUGHSHARES UNDER CONDITIONS OF NORTHERN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

This article examines modern technological solutions aimed at improving the strength and wear resistance of tillage machine components, with a focus on the ploughshares of subsurface plows. The relevance of the study is justified by the intensive operation of agricultural machinery on hard and arid soils typical of the Northern Kazakhstan regions. A comparative analysis is carried out on the manufacturing processes of plowshares produced by domestic engineering enterprises and those manufactured at plants in CIS countries and abroad.

It has been established that foreign-made ploughshares possess significantly higher service life, which is attributed to the application of additional hardening operations such as high-frequency induction hardening, chemical-thermal treatments (boronizing, nitriding), hardfacing, as well as cryogenic treatment. A comparative table is presented, showing the dependence of ploughshare service life on soil type and applied technology: on the soils of Northern Kazakhstan, domestic ploughshares provide a lifespan of 280–320 hectares, whereas foreign counterparts reach 600–700 hectares.

The authors propose a set of technological measures for the modernization of heat treatment and alloying processes, recommended for implementation in domestic agricultural machinery manufacturing. The implementation of these solutions is expected to significantly extend the service life of working elements, reduce the number of replacements in the field, and lower operational costs. The paper aims to support import substitution processes and enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan-made agricultural machinery.