| Abstract | The goal of this project was the development of a prototype lightweight harvester elevator and integrated secondary cleaning system. The goal was commercially driven and proposed transfer and adaptation of high-speed conveyor technology (from mining and from other agricultural materials handling applications) and advanced pneumatic cleaning concepts to the cane harvester. The design brief targeted enhancing machine performance (ie cane loss, extraneous matter and pour rates) whilst reducing machine weight and improving machine stability. The development has not, however, resulted in a commercially viable prototype. Because of unforeseen difficulties relating to the design adopted for the hugger belt system, the final goals could not be met within the framework of the initial project. When 'pushing the limits' of machine development, problems such as this must be expected, particularly when the development is being undertaken on limited manpower and fiscal budgets. The project, however, has in no way been unsuccessful. Whilst the nominated final goal has not been met, the project has very significantly progressed knowledge relating to the cleaning of cane, and has clearly shown that the concepts embodied in this project have very considerable potential. |
