The operation of the two-in-one harvesting attachment in a controlled traffic system : SRA Grower Group Innovation Project final report

Abstract

The project has developed an automatic base cutter system to assist harvester operators utilising the Two in One harvesting attachment. The trial results have proven that the Two in One system offers: The potential to reduce operator fatigue; Reduce in-field compaction and operate under a 1.85 controlled traffic system.; Significant costs reductions associated with reduced maintenance and fuel cost; Units operate at lower operational speeds and significant increases in field operational efficiencies; compared to single row harvesters. The sugarcane industry is one of the only remaining mechanised industries that harvests it crop as a single row. Most other industries have moved to wide swath harvesting to improve harvesting efficiencies and reduce costs. The Two in One concept is the first step towards wide swath harvesting in the Australian sugar cane industry. The Two on One is the only commercially available cane harvesting system available to the sugar industry globally, at this point in time.