Farming systems and production management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13844

Research outcomes: Growers and harvesters benefit from the ongoing research in productivity improvement, production management and agronomical techniques. Developed technologies and management practices that enhance productivity and demonstrate a high rate of return on investment.

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1992 - 199932000 - 20071

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Author: search.filters.author.Smith, MASubject: search.filters.subject.Production management

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    Modified rotary-pinch chopper system for improved harvesting efficiency : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report
    (2007) Smith, MA
    Bin weight is becoming an increasingly topical issue for the Australian sugar industry, with millers and haul-out contractors seeking to improve the efficiency of their operations by hauling more cane per trip using existing infrastructure. This has meant that there is considerable pressure within the industry to reduce billet length. This program of work aimed to facilitate the adoption of feedtrain/chopper synchronisation through the development of a modified rotary-pinch chopper system. The design principle is based on the concept of obtaining variable length billets through one revolution of the chopper drum, not through manipulating feedtrain roller speed. The conceptual design of the proof-of-concept modified rotary-pinch chopper system was developed and presented to Corradini Engineering for review, detailed design and manufacture. After fabrication the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept chopper system was installed on a harvester that is used to cut billets for planting and as a backup commercial machine. Initial comparative trials were successfully undertaken at Fairymead Plantation in Bundaberg during the 2006 harvest season. A standard 15-inch chopper system with unsynchronised (variable) and synchronised (uniform) feedtrain setup was compared with the ‘Corradini’ proofof- concept rotary-pinch chopper system (MRPCS) with synchronised feedtrain setup. The functionality of the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept MRPCS was assessed with no differences in operational performance observed or noted by the machine operator when compared with a standard 15-inch chopper system. This included no recirculation of billets and a throw velocity identical to that of a standard 15-inch system. In the 2006 trials, the ‘Standard’ chopper variable billet length treatment resulted in the greatest packing density, with 380 kg/m3 ,and the uniform length billets the lowest with 365 kg/m3. The packing density of the ‘Corradini’ proof-of-concept MRPCS variable length billet treatment was found to be 375 kg/m3 . The corresponding average reduction in bin weight from the standard chopper variable length billets was found to be 1%. Alternatively, an increase in bin weight of 2.7% was found when compared with the standard chopper uniform length billets.
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    The effect of harvester settings on cane loss and subsequent ratoon cane yield
    (1992) Smith, MA
    This replicated trial at Tully showed that harvester settings (basecutter height, forward speed, and direction of travel in relation to crop lodging) can significantly influence the amount of cane left in the paddock after harvest. The trial also showed that the yield components of the subsequent ratoon crop could be significantly affected by the same harvester settings.
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    The effect of coulter ripping on GCTB ratoons at Hawkins Creek
    (1992) Smith, MA
    In some parts of north Queensland coulter ripping is a standard operation carried out in green cane trash blanketed ratoons. Very little ripping is carried out in the Herbert Valley, even though the soil in old ratoons appears to be highly compacted. These qqnstrip trials were set out to test whether ripping to alleviate this compaction was necessary. The results of this demonstration suggest that coulter ripping will not increase growth and that by stimulating weed competition it may have actually reduced cane growth.
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    The effect of two different Toft basecutters on ratoon yield
    (1992) Smith, MA
    The visual appearance of the cane stubble remaining after harvesting with the Toft angled underslung basecutter usually fitted to 7000 series harvesters is different to that remaining after harvesting with the horizontal leg-driven basecutter fitted to the earlier 6000 series machines. This difference lead many observers to infer a greater level of stubble damage with the 7000. This trial and others in north Queensland could not detect any differences in ratoon yields due to previous harvesting with the two different basecutter types.