Continuous and Impact Cutting Systems for Sugarcane Harvester

Abstract

The quality of the basal cut of sugarcane during harvest can affect the longevity of the crop, and the cutting tool is one of the main causes of damage during harvesting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two cutting tools: an impact cutting system (ICS) using knives and a continuous cutting system (CCS) using saws. Laboratory tests were carried out to obtain the stalk damage index at different device travel speeds and to determine the invisible losses caused by each cutting system. The results showed that both cutting systems presented acceptable levels for the stalk damage index; however, the CCS obtained better cut quality, corresponding with decreased general damage. The invisible losses caused by the cutting tools in relation to the total harvested mass were 0.52% and 0.54% for the CCS and ICS, respectively. The highest invisible losses were obtained at speeds of 2, 3, and 4 km h -1 for the ICS, showing a statistical difference in relation to the CCS. No statistical difference was noted for both the systems at 5 and 6 km h -1 .

Continuous and Impact Cutting in Mechanized Sugarcane Harvest: Quality, Losses and Impurities

“…Marques Filho et al [13] showed that various raw material losses depend on the cutting tool. Invisible losses can reach 0.52 and 0.54% of the total harvested.…”

“…Martins and Ruiz [11], evaluating raw material losses in sugarcane crops, found no differences for this parameter as a function of operational speed. Marques Filho et al [13] showed that harvest speed could increase raw material losses. In this study, harvester speeds did not vary significantly.…”

“…According to Marques Filho et al [13], in the CCS, the cutting time is extended to the ICS system; this causes the culm to flex just before cutting, causing damage and generating more chips and sawdust. Liu et al [31] and Srivastava et al [32] explain this phenomenon based on the principle of viscoelastic behavior of plant material, where the cutting tool pressure initially causes a plant stem deformation.…”

“…During mechanized harvesting, the stalk's sugarcane base is cut by two rotating disks equipped with cutting knives. The discs rotate along the harvest line with a convergent movement, simultaneously cutting and feeding stalks to the harvester's internal systems [13].…”

“…Mello and Harris [19] pioneered the study of continuous sugarcane cutting using saws with satisfactory results. Under controlled conditions, Marques Filho et al [13] obtained promising results for applying saws to the sugarcane basal cut. So, depending on the field condition, the saws can cause less damage in sugarcane stalks and cause less raw material loss.…”