Optimization of Basecutter Structural Parameters for Under-the-Ground Sugarcane Basecutting

Highlights An under-the-ground basecutting mode was employed, which is different from the typical above-the-ground basecutting mode. A series of field experiments were carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM). The complicated effect of critical parameters on three indicators (stubble breaking index, stubble uprooting index, and power consumption) was explored. The optimal values of critical parameters were determined using a multi-objective optimization method. Abstract. Basecutting is an important process in mechanical sugarcane harvesting, thus, it‘s necessary to develop a high-efficient basecutter. The previous research about basecutting has mainly focused on the above-the-ground basecutting instead of under-the-ground basecutting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze how the critical structural parameters, such as blade number (BN), oblique angle and bevel angle of blades (OA, BA), affect the cutting performance of a sugarcane harvester with an under-the-ground basecutting mode. A series of field tests were carried out using Liugong sugarcane harvester. The experimental indexes were determined as stubble breaking index (BI), stubble uprooting index (UI), and power consumption (PC). The ANOVA results indicated that three regression models of indicators were significant, and were in agreement with the test data. Additionally, it was concluded that OA and BN were the two most important factors when optimizing BI, UI, and PC. BA was the last factor to be considered although it had significant effect on BI and UI. The multi-objective optimization results showed that the optimal parameter combination was 3 of BN, 10° of OA, and 20° of BA, and the corresponding BI, UI, and PC reached the minimum. For sugarcane growers, reduced stubble damage and power consumption could increase the sugarcane germination and decrease the harvesting cost, respectively. For sugarcane mills, this cutting mode might cause potential decrease in sugar quality, specifically sediment levels. However, this disadvantage could be overcome by optimizing basecutter parameters.