New Separation System for Conventional Walker Combines - Combining capacity benefits of axial flow with straw quality benefits of conventional walkers

摘要

The trend in the combine business continues to development towards higher machine productivity and capacity. In the high capacity segment axial-flow combines with one or two separating rotors have taken over the leading role. Due to more intense straw processing, axial-flow machines have with regard to grain separation a distinct capacity advantage compared to conventional walker combines. Furthermore axial-flow machines have a flatter loss curve and can be operated more easily at capacity limit. The downside of non conventional threshing technology is poorer straw quality and higher specific power consumption, causing lower fuel efficiency. The current bio-energy discussion shows that straw may be an important resource in the future. Against this background a development program was established to design a separation system for the John Deere walker line which would combine some of the capacity benefits of axial flow with straw quality benefits of conventional walkers.