Compact Automatic Flue-Cured Tobacco Harvester (Part 1)

Harvester strips leaves

Abstract

A compact automatic harvester for flue-cured tobacco was developed. The self-propelled harvester is mounted on two rubber crawlers. The leaf stripping mechanism consists of a pair of roller chains with many spring-loaded blades, mounted inclined toward the back, surrounds the stalk and move down around it as the harvester proceeds along a row in order to remove the leaves from plants. The chain revolution is synchronized with the velocity of the harvester. Conveyorbelts immediately carry removed leaves to side baskets. Machine stability for transferring leaves, power consumption and safety were studied.