Design of a Protective Curtain System for High Rotational Speed Agricultural Disc Mowers

A new protective curtain system for agricultural disc mowers has been designed and validated through a combination of novel testing methods. In order to understand performance requirements and choose the best solution to the problem, computer modeling, as well as small and full scale prototype testing was conducted. The new curtain system improves upon the current production design by adding a flexible joint between the top of the shroud and the curtain. This results in a reduction of force exerted on the crops by the curtain, the key performance metric for this project. A full scale prototype (P1) was constructed in order to confirm concept functionality, which led to a second generation prototype (P2) made of a heavier weight curtain fabric, in order to meet safety metrics. This new mounting method will improve cutting quality by reducing the force exerted on the crop by the curtain, while still meeting the safety requirements, in addition to providing a superior, more marketable product for Case-New Holland and higher crop yield for the customer.Copyright © 2009 by ASME