Sensitivity analysis of key operating parameters of combine harvesters

Abstract

Kavka M., Mimra M., Kumhála F. (2016): Sensitivity analysis of key operating parameters of combine harvesters. Res. Agr. Eng., 62: 113-121.The sensitivity analysis of key operating parameters on the average annual sub-profit in a group of three combine harvesters operating in companies providing agricultural services were analysed. Based on the results of the cost analysis, the following key operating parameters with the greatest influence on the costs were identified: the purchase price of the machine, the price of fuel, maintenance costs, personnel costs and annual performance. These parameters were used in the sensitivity analysis to investigate their effect on unit costs. Changing the above-mentioned parameters is calculated within ± 30% from their mean value. To perform a sensitivity analysis of the average annual sub-profit of combine harvesters, the unit price of mechanized work was additionally used. The results showed that greatest impact on both the average annual earnings of combines operation and on the changes in unit cost was those of the annual performance of the combine harvester, combine harvester purchase price and the cost of fuel. On the other hand, maintenance and personnel costs had a smaller influence concerning these changes of parameters.Keywords: annual performance; costs optimization; unit costs; cost analysis; average annual sub-profitThe aim of the sensitivity analysis is to evaluate the impact of changes in key operational parameters for the planned result. Appropriate choice of key parameters has a great impact on achieving successful results. Sensitivity analysis aims at assessing the average annual sub-profit of harvesters as a result of changes in the values of key operating parameters or as a result of others factors, e.g. fuel prices on world markets. It is advisable to perform a sensitivity analysis already in the design stage of the project. Its implementation will identify potential risks and identify key operational parameters influencing profitability.According to Rataj (2005), the implementation of sensitivity analysis is necessary to determine the most probable size of the deviations for both optimistic and pessimistic trends. The estimates are based on the development of these parameters in the past. It identifies the impact of parameter changes on the size of the output (or a project result). As reported by Fotr and Kislingerova (2009), the experience of business practice and empirical research findings show that optimistic distortions dominate strategic financial plans and the resulting values of cash flow.

Business Viability of Small Combine Harvester in Haor Areas

“…According to [3], the combine harvester is an efficient, energy-effective, laborsaving, and time-saving machine, but its initial cost is very high. A high-tech combine harvester is needed to deliver high productivity with minimal crop losses, damage, and machine maintenance and repair costs [20], [26].…”

Алгоритмічність Сезонної Безвідмовності Гідросистем Зернозбиральних Комбайнів

“…Протягом останніх двох десятиліть спостерігається постійне зниження кількісного складу парку зернозбиральних комбайнів (Rogovskii et al, 2019). Незважаючи на одночасне зниження посівних площ, зменшення парку йде інтенсивніше (Kavka et al, 2016), що призводить до підвищення навантаження на одиницю техніки (Romaniuk et al, 2018). В умовах, що склалися, особливо актуальною стає проблема ефективного використання існуючого парку зернозбиральних комбайнів (Xu et al, 2019).…”