The development of a slide-rail pneumatic node cutting machine applied to two sugarcane varieties
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Abstract
To minimize seed node damage during propagation, a slide-rail pneumatic node cutting machine (SPCM) equipped with double concave blades was developed. The results indicated that pneumatic pressure significantly influenced the cutting force, with the average forces ranging from 1,590 to 2,440 N with the pressure increased. Regarding node quality, the machine’s double concave blade design achieved an average of 72.22% "good quality nodes," with no severely damaged nodes were observed across all the tests. The bottom stalk position yielded the highest percentage of good quality nodes at 81.11%. The maximum working capacity reached 1,290 nodes per hour for the LK92-11 variety at a pressure of 60.04 N/cm². To preserve the lightweight structure of 42 kg, a pressure of 50.03 N/cm² is recommended for standard operation.
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