DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW COST SUGARCANE HARVESTER PROTOTYPE

Abstract

A prototype of sugarcane harvester driven by a small tractor with the ability to cut and drop the stalks to the ground was the development and evaluated. The prototype moves toward the line to be harvested, and the sugarcane stalks are conducted by dividing lines and the chassis structure, cutting the stalks with their cutting blades mounted on a disc. A conveyor system is responsible for lateral movement and overturning of the cut stalks. Some machine structural problems and land irregularities affecting operational performance were found in field tests. The results demonstrated that certain modifications should be carried out on the prototype for improvements in its operating system, especially in the lateral and overturning operations, where part of the cut stalks not overturned completely. The cutting system has achieved great performance, featuring cut stump without any damage. In addition, when compared to manual cutting, the prototype has capacity for faster cut.