Header's Slow Path to Higher Yields

Friday, May 11, 2007

New research shows working at slower speeds can improve harvesting performance.
However the Kondinin Group report also warns growers need to be aware of the added costs and longer hours.

Researchers tested the performance of the four most popular Class Eight harvesters in Australia under various speeds.

Engineering manager, Josh Giumelli, said by slowing down to less than 10 kilometres per hour producers could improve harvest yield by one tonne a hectare and increase performance by up to three tonnes per hour.

“The research is exciting in revealing that something as simple as slowing down can improve producers yield so significantly,’’ Mr Giumelli said.

But the trade-off for increasing harvested yield by slowing down meant increased operating costs and less timeliness with machines spending more hours in the paddock.

SOURCE: The Land, NSW.