Potato Digger Research Articles

Increasing the strength of potato digger elevator rods

Abstract Currently, high-quality steels are used to increase the reliability of potato digging machines and the durability of elevator rods. Recently, new materials, new technologies and non-metallic materials that are not inferior in strength to steel have been used in agricultural machines. Such materials significantly reduce the mass of the working parts. This article examines the deformation of a new elevator rod design due to the action of soil and tuber-bearing mass. The rods, covered with double-cavity rubber profiles, vibrate the component of the potato heap. During vibrations, in addition to static deformations, dynamic deformations occur, depending on the magnitude of the impact force. As a result, it was found that to eliminate the loss of tubers between the bars of the separating elevator, given the maximum deflection value of 0.03 m and the weight of the soil-tuber-bearing mass, the rubber bar must have the following parameters: elasticity model E = 50 N/mm2; rod perimeter 11x11 mm; the maximum jump height of a mass weighing 130 kg is no more than 0.6 m.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ КАРТОФЕЛЕКОПАТЕЛЯ С АВТОМАТИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМОЙ В ПЕРЕМЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ ПОЧВЫ

The article discusses the issues of reducing soil compaction when harvesting potatoes with an automatic system for regulating the internal tire pressure of the running wheels of a potato digger. As a result of the influence of the propulsors and the running system as a whole, a change in the soil structure occurs, not only in the rut itself, but also in the areas located next to it, which indicates the nature of the spread of soil deformation and its influence on the condition of soil covers, which ultimately leads to a decrease in yield. (Purpose of the study) Reducing soil compaction on waterlogged soils by automatically adjusting tire pressure depending on soil moisture. (Materials and methods) A potato digger with an automatic system for regulating the tire pressure of running wheels has been developed. (Results and discussion) The reduction in soil compaction occurs due to the fact that it is additionally equipped with a capacitive sensor for measuring soil moisture, made in the form of a wheel, where, with reduced humidity, a signal is sent from the capacitive sensor to the automatic pressure control system to increase the tire pressure in the running wheels. from the air supply tube under pressure, air enters the chamber of the running wheels of the potato digger; at high humidity, a signal is sent from the capacitive sensor to the automatic pressure control system to reduce the internal tire pressure in the running wheels; the air leaves the wheel tires of the running system of the potato digger through the outlet into the environment and reduces tire pressure. (Conclusions) As a result of automatic tire pressure changes, the density of the soil in the wheel track is significantly reduced, thereby preventing soil compaction.

امكانية تقليل الفقد الكمي والنوعي باستخدام قالعة البطاطا

A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of the Technical Institute in Shatrha for the spring season 2022 to study the effect forward speeds (2.50, 3.18 ,3.60 km. hr-1), and two levels of conveyor speeds (43, 49) m. min-1 and two level of type of chain conveyor of rubber bars and clothes -coated in possibility of reducing the quantitative and qualitative losses by using the potato digger. quantitative loss, qualitative losses, and field efficiency were studied in this research. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used in the research. The results showed that the tractor speed 2.50 km.hr-1 in gets the quantitative losses which amounted to1.40 %, and the qualitative losses amounted to 11.1%, and the tractor speed 3.60 km. hr-1 gets the heights Field efficiency amounted to 84.80%.

Justification of parameters and operating modes of an elevator with combined rods

Modern potato harvesters provide the required performance indicators under favorable operating conditions. Under unfavorable conditions, the completeness of separation of tubers from impurities decreases, and losses and damage to potato tubers increase. This situation is associated with the imperfection of the separating working parts of the potato digger. As a result, the productivity of potato diggers is generally determined by the throughput of their separating working bodies. Currently, rod elevators are most widespread and used. Therefore, increasing the efficiency and quality of work of the separating working parts of a potato digger is an urgent scientific and technical task.

Aprimoramento do projeto e do teste da tela de separação da escavadeira de batata

ABSTRACT The original two-order separating sieve has a good potato-soil separating ability, but it causes significant damage to potatoes while ensuring a high potato detection rate, which in turn affects the working effectiveness of the potato digger. Thus, it is necessary to improve the design of the original swing separation sieve with a two-order sieve surface to one with a three-order sieve surface to solve the contradiction between the potato detection and potato damage. On this basis, the movement characteristics of potatoes and the separation performance of the new sieve were experimentally investigated. The experiment was conducted in a test field in Wuchuan County using a completely randomized design in a single-factor scheme with three factors and five levels, with five crank speeds (140, 150, 180, 210 and 225 rpm), five machine forward speeds (1.41, 1.51, 1.70, 1.89 and 2.21 km h-1) and five boom-connecting rod length combinations (250-350-1,030, 250-370-1,040, 270-370-1,050, 290-370-1,060 and 310-370-1,070 mm). Each experiment was repeated three times at each level, and the average value was taken as the final result. The experimental results demonstrate that the new three-order separation sieve can ensure a high potato detection rate while maintaining a low potato skin breakage rate.

Design, manufacture, and performance evaluation of a single-axle tractor-operated potato digger elevator

Design, manufacture, and performance evaluation of a single-axle tractor-operated potato digger elevator

Effect of various tractor speeds on potato digger performance

A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of the Technical Institute in Shatrah in 2022 to study the effect of different tractor speeds, conveyor chain speeds and their type on some performance indicators of a potato digger. Severely scratched tubers and slightly marked tubers and quantitative loss were studied in this research. The hand involved three levels of tractor forward speeds (2.5, 3.20,4.0 km / h), two groups of conveyor chain speeds (43, 49) m/ min and two levels of the type of chain conveyor of iron bars and rubber-coated. The complete random design with three replications was used in the research. The results showed that the tractor speed of 2.5 km/h gets the severely scratched tubers, which amounted to 3.03%, and the slightly scratched amounted to 12.37%, and the lowest quantitative loss was 1.16%. The speed of the chain conveyor, 43 m/min, get the lowest percentage of severely scratched tubers, which amounted to 4.53% and was slightly irritated. It was 14.10%, and the speed of the chain conveyor was 49 m/min. The lowest quantitative loss was 2.09%, and the rubber rods had the lowest percentage of severely scratched tubers, slight marked and quantitative loss. Keyword: qualitative loss, severely scratched, slightly scratched.

Justification of the Design Parameters of a Small-sized Potato Digger

The results of studies on the optimization of the parameters of oscillatory-separating mechanisms of a small-sized potato digger are presented. An analytical dependence in the form of a regression equation is obtained, which makes it possible to determine the optimal parameters of the vibration separating mechanism to improve separation in the tuber soil mixture.

Potato digger with latticed plowshares and oscillating rods

The process of digging potatoes is characterized by high energy costs due to the interaction of the potato digger's plowshares with the tuber-bearing soil layer. The study aims to substantiate the parameters of potato digger's lattice plowshare. In the proposed potato digger, the plowshare is made latticed and equipped with oscillating rods. This potato digger has a mechanism for transmitting torque to oscillating rods. The experiments were carried out using a special laboratory-field installation. Various lattice plowshares were manufactured, and single-factor experiments were carried out. During the experiments, the degree of damage and loss of the tuber and the traction resistance potato digger were taken as evaluation criteria. The results of experimental studies to determine the parameters of plowshare are presented. It is established that the optimal design scheme for a potato digger consists of torque transmission mechanisms, lattice plowshares, and forcibly oscillating rods. As a result, theoretical studies, analytical dependencies, and mathematical models were obtained to determine the parameters of a lattice plowshare. Studies have established that to destroy the tuber formation to the required extent with minimal damage and loss of tuber, as well as energy costs, the width lattice plowshare should be 55 cm, the angle plowshare installation relative to the horizon is 22°, the length plowshare is 38 cm, and the width gap between the bars is 3 cm.

Study on the parameters of bars of the potato digger ploughshare

Currently, potato diggers used in agricultural production in Uzbekistan have a number serious drawbacks. In particular, they have a high material and energy capacity, and their use in small farms and personal subsidiary farms is considered less effective. The purpose study is to substantiate the parameters vibrating rods potato digger ploughshare. The authors proposed a potato digger with lattice ploughshares equipped with vibrating rods. Swinging rods are attached to the main ploughshares, the oscillation which is carried out from the tractor power take-off shaft. A diagram a ploughshare with vibrating rods and a mechanism for transmitting motion is given. The laws theoretical mechanics are used in the research. In the experiments, losses and damage to potatoes, as well as traction resistance, were taken as a criterion for evaluating the performance potato digger. As a result theoretical studies carried out, analytical dependencies and mathematical models were obtained that allow determining the parameters rods. It is proved that the length bars the potato digger ploughshare should be 25 cm, the number bars is 14 pieces, the distance between the bars is 3 cm, the diameter the bars is 1 cm.

Potato digger with a digging workpart of the "Paraplaw" type

One of the reasons hindering potato farming development on Uzbekistan's farms is the low supply of inexpensive mini-production equipment for harvesting potatoes. The use of high-performance potato harvesters in small areas is uneconomical. The authors proposed a potato digger with a digging working body of the "Paraplaw" type. The study aims to develop a potato digger with working bodies of the "Paraplaw" type. A prototype of a mini potato harvester was made, and its economic tests were carried out. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis, and statistics were used in this study. The developed digging work part is made in the form of rippers with inclined racks installed towards each other, and their chisels are equipped with ripping elements in the form of rods. The results of the digger tests have been given. It was found that during the operation of the improved potato digger, tuber losses were reduced by 2.9%, and productivity increased by 13.2% compared to the serial one.

Дослідження кінематичних параметрів вібраційного лемеша картоплекопача з використанням комп’ютерної програми

Statistical data show that a significant share of potatoes is grown in subsidiary farms in Ukraine, so there is a need for small-sized, efficient equipment. The level of agricultural culture directly depends on the degree of mechanization of small farms. The purpose of the work is to improve the design of a small-sized potato harvester while increasing the efficiency of its ploughshare. A new design of a vibrating ploughshare in the design of a small-sized potato digger is proposed, which differs from typical designs in that the crank is made in the form of a disk, in which a groove is made in the radial direction. The connecting rod connecting hinge is fixed in the groove at a given distance from the axis of rotation. This provides an opportunity to set the required crank size for driving the ploughshare. In addition, this type of diggers has the problem of significant vibrations. Therefore, the crank disk has concentrically made holes for fixing the counterweight for partial balancing. Another difference of the vibrating ploughshare is that the cutting blade with rod extensions that is secured on two pairs of hinge suspensions. The front hangers have a certain length and are hinged to the cutting blade. Rear pair of hinge suspensions has made adjusting holes in middle part for connection to frame. These suspensions are connected to each other by a crossbar in a rigid frame, in the middle of which is fixed a bracket with holes for connection with a crank. Such a ploughshare will make it easier to penetrate the soil, better self-cleaning, create a directed movement of the soil mass with potatoes and carry out primary separation more intensively. The kinematic movements of such a vibrating ploughshare are described using the method of closed vector contours, and the numerical implementation of the mathematical model is done using the author's computer program. Thus, the new design of the vibrating ploughshare of the potato digger can provide the necessary regulation in order to change the digging amplitude, create a directional movement of the soil and potato mass and increase the efficiency of separation, as well as the possibility of partial balancing of the dynamic system when using a counterweight. The kinematic parameters of the formed multipurpose mechanism are described by equations based on the method of closed vector contours. For the numerical implementation of the results and their visualization, as well as the determination of the rational parameters of the proposed mechanism, a special computer program has been developed, which enables the researcher to perform a search in an automated mode.

Конструктивні особливості та ефективність роботи мінікартоплекопачів

The purpose of the study is to identify the main approaches to the construction and design features of machines and tools used to dig potatoes in the areas of small farms in order to improve p125 otato harvesting equipment and theoretically justify its design and technological parameters. Particular attention is focused on the processes of diggingand separation of the tuberous layer. The statistical analysis of the areas where potatoes are grown in Ukraine is carried out, specific shares of production of this crop in subsistence farms of the population are established. In accordance with the value of the treated areas, the technique by which the technological assembly operation is carried out is outlined. For samples of potato harvesting minitechnics, its functional and constructive efficiency was analyzed. The ability of potato diggers to dig a tuberous layer of soil, its primary and main separation using different types of working bodies is characterized. Emphasis is placed on the work efficiency of such equipment on weed-clogged soils. As a result, it is outlined that it is promising to develop a potato harvesting minicombine or other potato digger capable of fully or partially accumulating the collected potatoes in boxes or other containers, excluding the laying of fruits on the surface of the field. The implementation of such an idea is possible under the condition of qualitative separation of the buried tuberous layer and minimal clogging of tubers with lumps of soil, plant remains, rhizomes etc. Therefore, there is a serious issue of increasing the efficiency of separation at all stages of the movement of the digged tuberous layer for the structures of simple mini-diggers above that are aggregated with low-power energy tools. The limitation here is the relatively short path of movement of the tuberous layer between the planes of the digging and separating working elements. Also the effectiveness of the separation of soil and foreign residues depends on the possibility of collecting seeds in certain containers. The implementation of this idea will significantly reduce the complexity of the harvesting operation of potatoes as a whole. This will give significant advantages to such a machine on the market in terms of its competitive attractiveness compared to analogues.

Design and characteristic parameters of vibrating potato digger for small farms

Design and characteristic parameters of vibrating potato digger for small farms

Justification of the technological scheme of the separating working body of potato digger

In the article, based on theoretical and experimental research, the choice of the constructive-technological scheme of the separating working body of potato diggers is substantiated. As a result, it was found that the separating working bodies of potato diggers with drive disc-elastic fingers located above the elevator bed provide the best performance.

EFFECTS OF FORWARD SPEEDS AND BLADE ANGLES OF POTATO DIGGER ON FUEL CONSUMPTION AND TUBER MECHANICAL DAMAGES

This experiment was conducted in Shamamik- Erbil state in Iraq-Kurdistan Region during the middle of summer of 2021 in order to determine the effects of different blade angles and forward speeds of potato digger in the fuel consumption and mechanical damages. Split plot arrangement under Randomized Completely Block Design was replications. Two blade angles (180) and (220) were located as main plot, while three forward speeds 2.6, 3.51 and 4.36 Km.h-1 were located as sub plots. The results were as following: the blade angle of (220) recorded the lowest percentage values for all studied traits, namely, undamaged tubers, severe damage, slight damage, lifted tubers and damage index except in digging depth and fuel consumption which gave higher values than those obtained from the blade angle of (220). By increasing the forward speed, weight of (undamaged tubers 69.11%, lifted tubers 79.27% and digging depth 26.16cm) were decreased, while the rest of the traits increased. At any blade angle (180 , 220), as the forward speed increased, the values of (severe damage1.84%,2.87%,slight damage17.50%,12.48, fuel consumption 44 , 43 litter.ha-1 and damage index 142 , 104) were increased, while the other attributes decreased

Design of small potato diggers

The article describes the technology of harvesting potatoes in small areas of residential plots and farms, as well as the design of a compact single-row potato digger, which is aggregated with a motoblock. First, the need for potatoes and statistical indicators of its cultivation in the world and in Uzbekistan were analyzed. In addition, information is provided on agro-technical requirements for potato harvesting, digging technologies and available types of diggers. When harvesting potatoes on the machine, the following work is performed in a row: digging the tubers, separating the tubers from the soil, separating the tubers from the potato chips, removing the separated pods, separating the tubers from the stones, collecting and loading the cleaned tubers. The method of harvesting and the machine used are selected taking into account the local soil type, its moisture, pile size and unevenness, number of teeth, yield and so on. The designed device will increase the efficiency of digging potatoes planted in small areas of farms, farmers and farms, reduce the damage to potato tubers. The article also provides a technological scheme of a small potato digger, the theoretical basis of the working part of the sieve, as well as graphical analysis.

TEST OF THE SCREENING AND PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION OF SWING SEPARATION SIEVE IN FIELD OPERATION

The need for clarity regarding the sieving characteristics of the potato-soil mixture, as provided by the swing separating sieve of a potato digger, as well as the derived problems of low potato transportation efficiency, a high potato damage rate and low potato unearthing rate, are the main reasons for this study. Dynamic tracking technology is proposed to collect the motion state of potatoes, during the process of potato and soil separation. Considering the potato conveying speed, potato unearthing rate and potato damage rate as indicators, while the sieving parameters (crank rotational speed, sieve inclination, crank radius and swing direction angle) are the influencing factors, an orthogonal regression test is carried out, where the response surface is used to analyze each factor, its influence on the screening index, and to optimize it accordingly. The test results show that there is a linear relationship between the screening parameters and indexes, with each parameter showing different contribution rates to the screening indexes. The best parameter combination is the crank rotational speed of 190 r /min, sieve inclination of 9.7°, crank radius of 40 mm and swing direction angle of 18.8°. The corresponding potato conveying speed, unearthing rate and damage rate is 0.713 m/s, 98.7% and 3.224%, respectively. After optimization, the potato conveying speed is 1.43 times higher, the unearthing rate is increased by 2.5% and the damage rate is reduced by 60%. The research results can provide theoretical support to the structural design of potato diggers.

DEVELOPMENT OF A BULLOCK–DRAWN DIGGER ELEVATOR FOR HARVESTING POTATO

Potato, after corn, rice, and wheat, is the world’s fourth most major food crop, producing 321 MT on 19.5 million hectares. Potato cultivation covers 1.86 million hectares in India. Potatoes are a laborintensive crop. It is currently facing a labour shortage. The harvesting of potato tubers is the most important aspect of potato cultivation. AnAnimal-drawn potato digger has been developed to reduce drudgery and labour when harvesting potato tubers. The performance of the potato digger was evaluated in the field with soil moisture content of 8% (db), bulk density of 1.38 g/cc. The implement has a field capacity of 0.16 ha/h with field efficiency 85 per cent and turning losses 5.7 per cent when the harvesting of potato was done using the developed digger as the 5 per cent of the harvested potato was damaged and 4.7 per cent were left within the soil. For its efficient operation, this implement can be widely adopted by potato farmers, and it is best suited for small and marginal farmers.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ СЕПАРАЦИИ КАРТОФЕЛЕУБОРОЧНЫХ МАШИН С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ ДИСКОВОГО ВОРОШИТЕЛЯ

The complexity of the separation process in potato harvesters implies the use of elevators with disc agitators. To increase the efficiency of soil sifting after the ploughshare, a disc agitator with rubber-coated fingers fixed on it is installed above the elevator. Due to its elasticity, the potato tubers are not damaged. The authors conducted a full-factor experiment on the influence of three factors on the completeness of separating a soil-tuber layer: an installation angle of fingers, the digger speed, and the disc agitator speed. The paper presents the levels and variation intervals of these factors. The authors obtained and analyzed the mathematical model equation reflecting the coded influence of significant factors on the separation completeness of a soil-tubular mass at potato harvesting based on the research results. The analysis of solutions to the mathematical model equation has established that at an angle of finger installation of 32.19° and speed of the potato digger of 0.203 m/s, the maximum separation completeness of a soil-tubular mass amounts to 90.8%. Experimental studies were conducted in 2020 during the potato harvesting season of the Romano variety in the farm “Sarvi Sad Khosili” (Kasansay district, Namangan region, the Republic of Uzbekistan). Due to the use of the disc agitator on potato harvesters, the number and degree of tuber damage decreased. The tubers moved with the soil layer, and this fact reduced the number of contacts between the tubers and the elevator bars.