What are potato harvesters and how to choose them?

Currently, farmers have the opportunity to use a huge variety of agricultural equipment, which simplifies many of the work. Modern models of potato harvesters are very useful and functional. In this article, we will look at what they are and how to choose the right ones.

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The potato tuber harvester is a special multifunctional machine. This is a whole technical complex designed for mechanized harvesting. This technique copes with many important tasks. Using such equipment, you can unload vegetables into a vehicle, separate tubers from tops, and perform other work.

Modern models of high-quality harvesters for harvesting potato tubers work using a special digger. This important part of agricultural machinery is additionally equipped with knives, a roller, trimming discs and other auxiliary components that remove the haulm.

High-quality and multifunctional devices work very efficiently. Thanks to them, farmers can reduce not only time, but also labor costs. Modern equipment is adapted for the automatic separation of quality units and weeds, stones, sand accumulations. For this, special screening components are provided in the design of the combines. In fact, the machines under consideration are sorting slides with an efficient and functional structure.

The considered types of units are allowed to be used not only for the collection of potato tubers, but also for the collection of onions, carrots and many other grown vegetables.

The very principle of operation of the described devices is extremely simple and straightforward. Moving along the territory of the field, the machines dig out root crops from a specific depth, after which they are fed to the above-mentioned screening elements. From there, the harvested crop is redirected to the belt. It is here that the separation of tops, stones, litter takes place.

Next, the potatoes must go through the next sorting stage. Thanks to him, small tubers and garbage residues are selected. After that, the sorted potatoes are redirected to the bunker. The bottom position of the last piece can usually be adjusted by the operator.

There are many variations of high quality potato harvesters for today's farmers to choose from. This agricultural machinery is divided into several types. Each of them has its own characteristics and technical capabilities. Let's get to know them better.

All modern potato harvesters are classified according to several basic indicators. So, according to the method of movement, self-propelled, trailed and mounted models of equipment are divided.

We will find out what are the distinctive characteristics and parameters of combine harvesters that provide for different methods of movement.

• Trailed. These models are special agricultural devices that are connected to suitable tractors via a power take-off shaft.These models are capable of moving only if they are connected to a second vehicle. The specimens in question are widely used in Russia and other CIS countries, since they have a democratic cost, demonstrate excellent quality of work, and are unpretentious. The role of motive power here can be budgetary and uncomplicated types of transport, for example, a type of MTZ-82 tractor.

• Self-propelled. The so-called mobile varieties of combines that do not need to secure additional transport, allowing them to move. The considered units operate either completely autonomously, or in conjunction with trucks, into which the harvested crop can be loaded. In exceptional cases, a self-propelled potato harvester is supplied with a bunker, but in such copies its own power plant is provided. And also the presence of a conditioning and heating component is allowed here.

• Hinged. This type of agricultural equipment is less efficient. Mounted options are most often bought for a mini-tractor, walk-behind tractor.

• Semi-mounted. There are also such variations of potato harvesters. Such instances are directly connected to the combine through a single axis.

There are devices that work:

• from the PTO of the tractor;

• from a special diesel traction system.

In addition, various types of working mechanisms can be provided in trailers.

• Potato pickers with an active knife-type unit - in these versions, disc elements and knives are movably articulated with the frame base in a hinged manner.

• Passive models. In them, the constituent elements that are directly involved in digging out tubers are static.

The current models of the machines in question are divided into different types based on the method of interaction with the crop. There are the following types of devices.

• Bunker. Such options for agricultural machines are complemented by special capacious containers designed for storing food items. Bunker volumes vary, but most often range from 2 to 7 tons.

• Elevator. The specified type of agricultural machinery is designed to move the dug potato tubers (and other products) directly to a specific means of transport. The category of devices under consideration includes single-row variations of combines, as well as double-row, three-row and 4-row versions.

The single-row vegetable harvester is extremely clear and comfortable to use. It is best suited for operations on not too large areas. Copies with 3 and 4 rows show the best results when it comes to working large areas.

Currently, there are many different variations of high quality potato harvesters produced. Each farmer can find for himself the optimal model with rich functionality. Let's take a closer look at the most popular harvesters for harvesting.

• E-668/7. High quality equipment of the famous German brand Fortschritt. The device is semi-mounted and elevator, it perfectly fulfills its main functions in conditions of loose and light soils. The grip width in this example is quite large, amounting to 1400 mm.

• E686. Another top model produced by a foreign brand. The harvester is a self-propelled and two-row version. The device is designed for continuous operation in heterogeneous and stony soils. The processing speed here is 3 ha / h.The engine thrust of this device reaches 80 liters. with., and its mass is 4.8 tons.

• DR-1500. High quality trailed model, 2-row. The harvester, together with auxiliary attachment components, transforms into a reliable harvester for many other types of root crops. The device provides high-quality pneumatic brakes, the control principle is electromagnetic. The productivity of the device is quite high - 0.7 ha / h. Agricultural machinery weight - 7.5 tons.

• SE 150-60. An excellent machine with a side undercut, provides high-quality 2-row harvesting. The device is ideal for large areas. This unit can be used on any soil, it has 2 conveyor belts. The weight of the apparatus is 9.35 tons, it contains 6 tons of products, the grip is 1.5 m.

• "Anna" Z644. A very popular trailed machine. The Polish machine is suitable for operations on all soils. The depth of digging here can be adjusted individually, there is a built-in topper, there is a sorting table in the design. In the considered Polish model of the combine, there is a bunker with a volume of 1.45 tons.The weight of the unit itself is 2.5 tons.

• KSK-1 "Boar". A small model of a potato harvester, boasts a special technique for cleaning tubers from impurities. The considered device does not contribute to large losses of yield, it is characterized by a very good productivity of action - 0.2 hectares per hour. The design of the device has a disc-type excavator.

• AVR Spirit 5200. High quality and relatively new model of the Russian-made combine. The technique is two-row, it provides for lateral digging. The design of the model has a spacious bunker with a volume of 6 tons. Additional equipment can be attached to the combine in question.

• Toyonoki TPH5.5. High-quality Japanese agricultural machinery. The model is very reliable, sturdy and durable.

• KKU-2A. This unit is very popular in Russia. It works especially effectively on light and medium-tied soils. The device can carry out cleaning either by a separate or a combined method. The KKU-2A functions from the rear shaft, it can simultaneously process 2 rows of root crops. The device not only digs up and collects root crops, but also separates them from tops, earth clods, unnecessary impurities. The machinery can automatically unload the tubers into the vehicle.

• Grimme SE 75 / 85-55. High quality harvester with side-view burying part. The control of this device is extremely simple and straightforward. The harvester can be equipped with an observation system, which has a monitor and cameras.

Let's consider what to build on when choosing the optimal variation of a potato harvester.

• First of all, you should decide on a specific type of such an agricultural machine. The features of different types of units were considered above. For different purposes and areas of processing, different options are suitable.
• It is very important to consider the technical characteristics and functionality of the equipment in question. It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the machine, the presence and volume of bins (there are models with one or two bins, or without this part at all), the speed of movement of the apparatus, and its performance indicators. For large processing areas, it is recommended to buy more powerful and efficient units designed for heavy loads. If it is planned to process a small suburban area, then a compact device will be enough here.
• The purchased equipment must be practical and easy to operate. It is recommended that you carefully examine your favorite potato harvester before buying, make sure of its quality and reliability.Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the main units, it is worth inspecting the sorting elements, the drawbar, the bunker, and so on.
• It is highly recommended to give preference to branded agricultural equipment. Very good potato harvesters are produced by Polish, Russian, German, Japanese and other large manufacturers.

The potato harvester must be operated strictly according to the instructions, regardless of its specific purpose. Only if this elementary condition is met, high productivity and durability can be expected from the purchased equipment.

Let's understand the main features of the use of the considered agricultural units.

• Before starting to use, it is necessary to prepare the equipment for work on harvesting potatoes. The unit requires the correct picking based on the method of harvesting vegetables. To do this, you will first need to configure and adjust all the main working units.
• After that, the field is divided into separate sections, and the sections - into corrals. The boundaries of the latter must go along the butt aisles. At the edges, swing-type stripes with a width of 12 m are marked.
• First, they remove the first, and then the second and the next corrals.
• If combining is straightforward, the first pass should be started at the edge. You should move so that the collected field is located to the right of the vehicle.
• The second aisle digs up rows with tops laid in their aisles. At the same time, the tubers are placed in a swath.
• On the third pass, the first and second rows are dug out from the edges, spreading the potatoes with a conveyor on the left side in the swath.