Substantiation of Process Variables and Modes of Heavy Spring-Tooth Harrow

Abstract

Nowadays soil cultivation applies harrowing. It is commonly carried out using heavy harrows with spring-tooth tools which can break soil crust, they are applied for spring mulching, distribution of stubbles, covering of seeds and fertilizers, they can act as tillers. However, there is no single opinion concerning the influence of variables of spring-tooth tool and harrow speed on quality of its operation, thus defining the aim of this work. Operation of spring-tooth tool of heavy chisel harrow has been experimentally studied, optimum variables of spring-tooth tools and speed rates of these harrows have been determined for most complicated conditions on heavy loamy soils. A new optimization criterion has been introduced in addition to soil pulverization degree. Harrow drawbar resistance has been determined as a function of drawbar category, operation recommendations have been proposed for KAMA-15 harrow and similar units equipped with spring-tooth tools.