Abstract
In an S-shaped multipurpose monorail system developed for use in steep hillside orchards, we investigated the overturn stability of a freight car, the coverage of agricultural chemicals applied by air-blast sprayer, and the efficiency of spraying, fertilizer application, and harvesting. When a moment of 833 Nm was applied to the rolling direction of the freight car on the sub-monorail to evaluate the posture stability, the frame of the freight car was tilted at 15°to the vertical. A moment of 980 Nm damaged the rail support metal. The foliage coverage of agricultural chemicals was approximately 75%, and was superior to that by sprinkler, especially on the underside of leaves. The efficiency of spraying was 18 to 27a/h, and the efficiency of fertilizer application was 20 to 27a/h. The rate of transporting of harvested fruits in the direction of a contour line of the hillside orchard was 2.2t/h per operator. We found that the system can greatly improve the labor efficiency and reduce the amount of spray chemicals needed through improved accuracy. It can also spread fertilizer and transport the harvest with high efficiency and much less labor than by hand.
