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THE TWO-ROW WHOLE STALK  SUGAR CANE HARVESTER,

 SUGAR CANE SEEDLING HARVESTER

The two rows whole stalk sugar cane harvester, based on the model of the “Soldier” type harvester, was built for cutting sugar cane seedlings (Figure on the right side: Front view).

Based on the results of the field tests carried out with the SUGAR CANE SEEDLINGS HARVESTER, some improvements were made to the components and sets of the stalk transport systems through the machine and, stacking/wodrowing of whole cut canes on the ground

The pictures are of the prototype developed and validated in 1997.

The machine is a self-propelled tricycle (Figures at the side: Lateral view):

The machine is a self-propelled tricycle that opens a field by cutting the sugarcane stalk base, and sugarcane tips and, afterwards,  transporting them by means of chains to the rear discharge in rows perpendicular to the lines of the cane, in a common heap behind the machine (Figure 1). Then operator skipping two rows and cuts another two rows, also pilling them into one heap behind  the harvester (Figure 2). This procedure is usually followed throughout the  sugar cane field. Then, the harvester cuts the remaining lines, the standing rows two at a time, conveying the cane onto earlier piles (Figure 3) to provide four rows of cane in each heap,  to be loaded later by sugarcane conventional  loaders.

A diagram of the operation in the field can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3, where it is possible to observe the windrowing performed by the machine.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Internal discharge:

The following figures show the arms directing the entire cane, cut at the base and without tips, through the fingers, to the internal discharge, starting the windrow of 2 lines perpendicular to the sugarcane planting line.

Harvester Advantages:

•  The machine adapts to the MEIOSI (*) system;

• The HARVESTER opens the field itself;

• The equipment cuts 2 lines simultaneously;

• Unloads the entire cane directly onto the ground;

• In case of interruption due to rain, it allows the resumption of work on the harvesting front quickly, as it works independently of the loading and transport units;

• Low fuel consumption, 21 L/H of diesel oil;

• Cut seedlings with a low percentage of damaged buds;

• Visible losses close to manual cutting: 2.4%; and

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• Low level of mineral impurity.

Note (*):

The MEIOSI, or Simultaneous Inter Occupational Method, SIOM in English,  Figure below,  has as its main objective to form the sugarcane seedling nursery within the renovation area itself. Right after the harvest, farmers prepare the land and plant rows of pre-sprouted seedlings. It is these seedlings that will be used for replanting the entire area.