Two-in-One harvesting attachment
Project Title: The operation of the Two-in-One harvesting attachment in a controlled traffic system
Group name: Castellani Harvesting group
Objectives
- To address the issue of base cutter height control in a controlled traffic two in one harvesting system.
- Harvesting two rows at once makes it difficult to judge correct base cutter height. Base cutters can be set too low, removing dirt along with cane. Floating base cutter system will address this issue.
- Technology addresses issues in the Regional Futures KPI, by promoting two in one harvesting units and floating base cutters in a controlled traffic system.
- Floating base cutter system will reduce soil removal and nutrient loss from the paddock .
Skills required of group members will be developed through technology demonstration and analysis of data collected from field measurements, as well as communication / mentoring with the growers and harvester operators.
Project Activities:
- A harvester already fitted with the Two in One will be modified to fit a base cutter height system. This harvester will be used throughout the 2007-08 harvest season and compared to standard harvesting operations during this time. During the season, grower and harvester group demonstrations will be held whilst the machine is in motion so they can see the actual process. Data from field measurements will also be collated and demonstrated to the harvester and grower groups to also emphasise the benefit of the harvesting units being installed and the advantages of a controlled traffic system.
Contact person: Elio Castellani 4777 4793