Abstract
An analysis of the current state of use of tillage machinery working parts reveals that a wide variety of factors influence the wear process of the working part. Abrasive wear alters the cutting-edge parameters and geometry of the working parts, which is the primary cause of non-compliance with agricultural requirements, as well as significant energy costs and, consequently, economic losses. Furthermore, a plowshare has a limited lifespan, and while a wide variety of hardening and restoration technologies currently exist, a simple and reliable method for assessing the quality of plowshares, whether new or hardened or reconditioned, is lacking. This is the main factor hindering the development of methods for hardening and restoring soil-cutting parts. This study substantiates the need for an objective and simple method for assessing the quality of tillage machinery working parts based on an analysis of wear factors, regulatory requirements, and expert assessments. A set of indicators and criteria is proposed that allows for a quantitative assessment of plowshare quality and an accurate comparison of various hardening and restoration technologies. The methodology was validated using comparative tests of plasma-hardened ploughshares. The results confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach for improving the operational reliability of tillage machines and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural machinery.