Research of operating indicators of top gatherer machine-tractor unit

Abstract

Goal. To determine the influence of oscillations in the longitudinal-vertical plane of a rotary top gatherer mounted on the front of a wheeled aggregate tractor on its performance, by the method of conducting field experimental studies. Methods. During the research, methods of field experimental research were used to determine the performance of such top gatherer. The program and methods of experimental research were developed, the results of which were processed by statistical methods on the PC using the basic methods of regression and correlation analysis. Results. A new 3-row top gatherer was developed that implements the above principles of operation and had successfully passed production tests. The top gatherer is aggregated by the method of front mounting on a wheeled tractor of traction class 1.4, which has a front power take-off shaft. Field experimental studies were conducted to determine the performance of such top gatherers. For this purpose, the program and a technique of experimental researches which results were processed by statistical methods on the PC with the use of basic methods of regression and correlation analysis were developed. Conclusions. The following operational indicators were obtained: productivity, for aggregation with a wheeled tractor class 1.4 — 2.15 ha·shift–1; specific fuel consumption — 3.02 kg·ha–1; direct operating costs — 441.18 UAH·ha–1. Power for the process of harvesting sugar beet tops was 14.48 kW, traction power did not exceed 3.6 kW. It was established that the power required to cut the beam was 6–6.2 kW, and to ensure the transportation and loading of the cut haulm into the vehicle — 3.5–4.8 kW. The obtained results of researches of operational indicators of this 3-row top gatherer were about twice smaller in comparison with serial samples.