Losses in alfalfa mowing process performed by oscillatory mower with classic cutting apparatus

Abstract

This paper shows the losses created during alfalfa mowing process performed by oscillatory mower with classic cutting apparatus. The losses detected during research process have been divided into two groups: losses caused by increased incision height (over 6 cm), and losses caused by crushing. The total losses made during mowing by the tested mower were calculated by adding the incision height losses and crushing losses. The research results indicate that the minimal losses caused by the incision height are 0.57 % of yields, at the aggregate mowing speed of 3.82 km/h. Aggregate mowing speed increase tend to slightly increase the losses up to maximum values of 1.17 % at the mowing speed of 8.17 km/h. The crunching losses ranged from minimal 0.31 % at the minimal aggregate mowing speed. The average total losses were 1.18 % of yields at the average aggregate mowing speed of 5.76 km/h.

Keywords

• oscillatory mower
• mowing
• losses
• incision height