CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DESIGNS OF MODERN PICK-UP TRUCKS AND EFFICIENCY OF THEIR WORK IN THE PROCUREMENT OF STEM FORAGE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HIGHLY NUTRITIONAL PROTEIN-VITAMIN PASTE AND PULLEY

Abstract

In the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine, all types of leafy fodder are used, which make up almost 50-60% of the cost price of livestock products. The choice of existing harvesting technologies depends on the required type of fodder, the method of harvesting the cultivated crop, the available number of technical means and machines in the farm. The use and introduction of new energy-saving means in the conditions of an acute energy crisis, which is currently observed in almost all branches of the national economy, especially in the technologies of harvesting stem fodder, is of particular importance. One of the directions for solving the mentioned problems is the use of pick-up trucks in the technological process of harvesting hay, haylage, and green mass. The research methodology is based on the application of methods of analysis and analogy, analytical methods, methods of higher mathematics and numerical calculations. When studying and comparing the design and technological parameters of pick-up trucks, it has been found that they mainly consist of a frame, a trailer, a chassis, a pick-up with a shredder, a body, an unloading device and a hydraulic system. For additional unloading of fodder in the feeder, pick-up trucks are made with a dosing device. As for the undercarriage of such machines, it can be single-axle, tandem or three-axle with forced control, depending on the load capacity. The bodies are mostly welded, in most models they are somewhat narrowed down. They can have folding or removable upper parts of the sides. The upper part of the body is covered with an awning or longitudinal synthetic ropes to prevent loss of grass mass in case of overflow. Mass pick-up is carried out according to the classic scheme, thanks to drum-finger pick-ups of different grip widths in the range of 0.55 - 2.1 m. It is noted that most models use a simple and reliable rotary feeder. This is a cylindrical drum on the surface of which curved fingers are fixed, thus forming a star-like shape. The number of fingers around the drum varies from 2 to 9, depending on the diameter. This design of the feeder allows it to be used not only in pick-up trucks, but also in press pick-ups. The rotary feeder differs in length from 1470 to 2000 mm and diameter from 600 to 880 mm, the number of rows of fingers, their design (length of the finger and the shape of the line of the working surface) and the method of mounting on the drum. The effectiveness of pick-up trucks in harvesting stem fodder for the production of highly nutritious protein-vitamin paste and pulp is studied. The dependence of changes in the operational productivity of pick-up trucks is established, which takes into account the time spent on eliminating technological violations of the work process, performing periodic maintenance operations, converting or completing the unit, and eliminating technical malfunctions.