Mechanisation and automation trends in modern threshing systems: from stand-alone machines to intelligent combine harvesting technologies

P. Borkar¹ , C. Sakhale², R. Tupkar¹ and S. Shelare¹³*

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering,
Nagpur- 440019, Maharashtra, India
²Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur- 440019, Maharashtra, India
³Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
*Correspondence: sagmech24@gmail.com

Abstract:

The mechanical harvesting process commonly known as threshing effects the grain quality, yield recovery, and agricultural profitability. To meet rising global food demands due to population growth along with labour shortages there is a need for efficient and automated threshing systems capable of producing high yields with low loss. This paper will provide a summary of recent advancements in threshing technology and evaluate its overall performance based upon criteria such as: efficiency; ability to accommodate different crops; and level of technology utilised in its design. The classification system used to classify threshing equipment into categories included those related to type of threshing mechanism (drum type, concave type, axial flow type); source of power (electricity, gasoline, diesel, hydraulic fluid, etc.), and type of equipment (single crop, multiple crops, and combine). Previous experimental studies reported that modern threshing systems can achieve high threshing and cleaning efficiencies depending on crop type, machine configuration, and operating parameters. High-capacity axial-flow systems have demonstrated productivity values up to 543 kg h⁻¹ in reported studies, whereas smaller solar- and pedal-operated threshers provide suitable alternatives for smallholder farming systems where affordability and portability are important considerations.

Key words:

Agricultural machinery, agricultural mechanisation, combine harvesters, multi-crop threshers, post-harvest technology

Technical and economic analysis of alternative pruning systems in high dimensions olive trees in Calabria

L.M. Abenavoli and C. Marcianò

Agraria Department, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, LocalitàFeo de Vito, 89126 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
*Correspondence: claudio.marciano@unirc.it

Abstract:

Oliviculture in Calabria accounts for 30% of the agricultural gross regionalproduction. On the Gioia Tauro plain, located in the province of Reggio Calabria, theoliviculture area is extended over more than 20,000 hectares. The olive trees in this area arecharacterised by a remarkable growth with trees reaching and often exceeding 25 metres inheight. In these extreme conditions all the cultural operations are technically and economicallycomplex. Particularly complex are the pruning operations, normally done with traditionalmethods, which are dangerous for the operators, who have to climb the trees to make the cutswith chain saws. The objective of this study is to encourage the use of mechanical systems,specifically truck-mounted telescopic platforms, to secure operators and lower the pruningcosts. They were therefore analysed two operating systems, the traditional and the mechanical,comparing the working capacity of different yards. The results have been encouraging althoughthe machines utilised can be rationally introduced only on large farms, while the small farmshave to rely on cooperatives of services or on contractors.

Key words: