Experimental research on the axial vibration of the cutting system for sugarcane harvesters

Abstract: This study aims to clarify the effects of different structural arrangements on the axial vibration of the sugarcane cutting system. A vibration characteristic test was performed on an experimental rig of a sugarcane harvester. Mechanics and mathematical models were also established for the sugarcane harvester platform. Some impact parameters were determined on the axial vibration of the cutting system, including the installing positions of hydraulic cylinders, the engine, and the logistics frame. The results showed 1) The vibration amplitude of axial cutter with the HP3 position of hydraulic cylinders (1.28 mm) was reduced by 63% under complicated excitations, compared with the HP1 position (3.52 mm). The excitation source presented the least influences on the vibration of the cutter frame when the hydraulic cylinder was installed at the position HP3 (720, 375, 1,880), that is, in the positive direction of X axis near the front wheel 535 mm. 2) The vibration amplitude of axial cutter with the EP2 position of the engine was reduced by 49% under complicated excitations, compared with the EP5 position. The excitation source presented the least influences on the vibration of the cutter frame, when the engine was installed at the position EP2 (12 400,1 800), that is, in the positive direction of X axis near the front wheel 1 055 mm. 3) The vibration amplitude of axial cutter with the No. LP3 position of logistics frame was reduced by 43% under complicated excitations, compared with the LP1 position. The excitation source behaved the least influences on the vibration of the cutter frame when the logistics frame was installed at the position LP3 (1 800, 537, 1 255), that is, in the positive direction of X axis near the front wheel 1 615 mm. There was the greatest significance of logistics frame on the vibrations of cutting system, followed closely by hydraulic cylinders. Nevertheless, there was the least significant effect of engine installation position on the vibrations of the cutting system. An orthogonal experiment was carried out to verify the parameters. An optimal configuration was then achieved for the sugarcane harvester, where the logistics frame was installed on the position LP3, while the hydraulic cylinder was on the position HP3, and the engine was on the position EP2. In this case, the vibration amplitude of the axial cutter was reduced by 40.8%, compared with that before optimization. Consequently, some suggestions can be addressed during this time, where the installation position of hydraulic cylinder, engine, and logistics frame should avoid the position above the front and rear wheels as far as possible, particularly on the sugarcane harvesting machinery suitable for hilly areas. The vibration isolation or damping device should also be added to reduce the vibration of the cutting system for better performance of sugarcane cutting.