Abstract
The utility tests of the prototype automatic harvester and the curing tools were carried out at 75 farms in flue-cured tobacco producing districts in 1992, 1993 and 1994. Harvesting efficiency, rate of leaf damage and operating efficiency were almost the same among each stalk position. Based on labor consumption of conventional methods an economic evaluation of the machine was carried out. Discussing commercial area, the economical turning point between the mechamical harvesting and the conventional harvesting was more than 3.6ha.
The improved type harvester was first introduced to tobacco growers in 1995.
