Design and Safety Performance Evaluation of the Riding Three-Wheeled Two-Row Soybean Reaper

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the key factors in designing a three-wheeled two-row soybean reaper (riding type) that is suitable for soybean production, and ensure worker safety by proposing optimal work conditions for the prototype of the designed machine in relation to the slope of the road. Methods: A three-wheeled two-row soybean reaper (riding type) was designed and its prototype was fabricated based on the local soybean-production approach. This approach was considered to be closely related to the prototype-designing of the cutter and the wheel driving system of the reaper. Load distribution on the wheels of the prototype, its minimum turning radius, static lateral overturning angle, tilt angle during driving, and The working and rear overturning (back flip) angle were measured. Based on the gathered information, investigations were conducted regarding optimal work conditions for the prototype. The investigations took into account driving stability and worker safety. Results: The minimum ground clearance of the prototype was 0.5 m. The blade height of the prototype was adjusted such that the cutter was operated in line with the height of the ridges. The load distribution on the prototype`s wheels was found to be 1 (front wheel: F): 1.35 (rear-left wheel: RL): 1.43 (rear-right wheel: RR). With the ratio of load distribution between the RL and RR wheels being 1: 1.05, the left-to-right lateral loads were found to be well-balanced. The minimum turning radius of the prototype was 2.0 m. Such a small turning radius was considered to be beneficial for cutting work on small-scale fields. The sliding of the prototype started at 25°, and its lateral overturning started at 39.3°. Further, the critical slope angle for the worker to drive the prototype in the direction of the contour line on an incline was found to be 12.8°, and the safe angle of slope for the cutting was measured to be less than 6°. The critical angle of slope that allowed for work was found to be 10°, at which point the prototype would overturn backward when given impact forces of 1,060 N on its front wheel. Conclusions: It was determined that farmers using the prototype would be able to work safely in most soybean production areas, provided that they complied with safe working conditions during driving and cutting.