A Theoretical Study of Haulm Loss Resulting from Rotor Topper Oscillation

Abstract

This theoretical study aims to detail haulm loss that is caused by rotor topper oscillation in the longitudinal vertical plane. The study has been undertaken with regard to the new design for a multi-purpose haulm gatherer which has been developed by us, and which performs the all-over feeler-free cutting of haulm stock from the crowns of standing sugar beet roots. By basing our work on the superimposition of the trajectories for rotor topper oscillation in the longitudinal vertical plane, along with the surface irregularities in the soil in which the roots stand, we have analytically determined the rates of haulm loss during all-over topping work. The results from the modelling were used to plot a graphical representation of the relationship between the haulm loss rate on the one hand, and the phase displacement between rotor topper oscillation and the soil surface irregularities on the other hand, all of which was observed at different values of the topper’s preset elevation above the conventional surface of the sugar beet field. The technique which was produced for the analytical determination of haulm loss in all-over feeler-free haulm cutting - as carried out during haulm gathering with the use of a haulm gatherer which was front-mounted on a tractor - can be applied when it comes to discovering similar loss levels of herbage that could be caused by other types of harvesting implement.