Mechanization systems for sugarbeet field-loading on trucks

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate factors relevant to the mechanization of sugarbeet loading through some choices after harvesting. Different methods were compared to study loadling time and productivity for different systems, including economical feasibility. Study included: designing a conveyor to load lorry trucks and trailers; and path determination of the sugarbeet after separating from the conveyor. The main results and conclusions can be summarized as follows: - The productivity in descending order for one laborer of different loading methods is as follows: power loader (20.1 ton/h) > conveyor aided with apron platform (5.43 ton/h) > conveyor without apron platform (4.10 ton/h), and > manual loading (1.07 ton/h) resp. - The loading costs are as follows in descending order: engine-operated conveyor (24.15 L.E./trailer) < loader (35.57 L.E./trailer)< conveyor attached to tractor (69.61 L.E./trailer), and < manual loading (72 L.E./trailer). - The trash ratio for loading by power loader was 14.5 to 30% (the factory deducts the trash from total mass of sugarbeet on lorry or trailer when the trash ratio exceeds 8%). - The lowest ratio of buckets missing of conveyor with access platform and netting was 4.3% at 14.2 cm/s conveyor speed, platform height 15 cm, and angle of platform slope 0o and 20o with the horizontal. - The equation of tuber trajectory in air when thrown by hands is:

x, y = Cartesians coordinates, “m”, g = Gravity acceleration, (9.81 m/s2),

= Initial speed, “m/s”,

= Initial height of throwing “m”, θ = Projectile angle, “deg”.