Development of a Walker Mower Appropriate for Use around Tree Trunks

Abstract

We developed two different types of mowers for orchards based on walker mowers designed for inclines. We also evaluated the mowers’ ability to save labor and reduce workload while mowing around tree trunks in apple fields. On examination, the mower was developed with a caster improving work efficiency by 40 % (compared with a brush cutter). The mower was developed with a swingable, offset mechanism which improved performance two-fold. When these mowers are used, harmful working postures were lower compared with brush cutters.