The series of active belt pick-up rakes
The series of active belt pick-up rakes is an important link in mechanisation of agricultural production related mainly to the exploitation of permanent grassland (TUZ)
Project title
Series of active belt pick-up rakes with mechatronic control system for working units and yield recording.
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
- Łukasiewicz Industrial Institute of Agricultural Engineering Research Network (LIDER)
- SaMASZ Sp. z o.o
Name of programme
Smart Development Operational Programme
Competition
Application projects
Project value
PLN 3,563,820.00
Funding value
PLN 2,543,954.40
Project delivery period
01.05.2016-30.04.2019
View the results of our work
What problem is addressed by the project?
The series of active belt pick-up rakes is an important link in mechanisation of agricultural production related mainly to the exploitation of permanent grassland (TUZ). The green forage obtained from them is a source of cheap, natural and valuable fodder in summer and in winter, having been processed into hay, silage or dried forage. These feeds are the main component of fodder in low-input production systems (e.g. organic or extensive animal husbandry). The correct use of permanent grasslands (TUZ) also contributes to nature conservation, including the preservation of biodiversity in agricultural areas.
The developed and tested rakes are characterized by high efficiency and reliability, accurate swath pick-up with low losses of collected material (reduction of losses due to elimination of shaking the delicate parts of plants), cleanness of collected material (elimination of picking up the soil clods, stones, mixing the collected material with soil from molehills or uneven ground), the possibility of working in various configurations, monitoring of the machine operating parameters and registration of the yield obtained as well as ergonomics and safety of use.
Compliance with these requirements makes it possible to obtain high quality organic fodder for livestock from the permanent grasslands (TUZ).
High efficiency and reliability enable the technological process to be carried out within the set time frame and, in the case of energy harvesting, increases the profitability of the project.
Who uses the project results?
The long-term experience of SaMASZ Sp. z o.o. in the production of agricultural and municipal machinery as well as the conducted market research allow us to conclude that the demand for the machinery, which constitutes the subject of the project, will increase rapidly. Growers in Poland and abroad are interested in the newly designed machines. The machines are characterized by technical parameters corresponding to the current international standards. Particular attention was paid to durability and reliability of construction due to strict technological regimes related to the time of harvesting swaths.
What was the greatest challenge during project implementation?
Belt pick-up rakes being the subject of the Project are the first rakes of this type manufactured in Poland. This type of rake implements modern trends in agriculture as the maintenance and proper productive use of permanent grasslands are important elements of conducting sustainable production and, thus, environmentally safe and profitable for the farmer, according to the principles of the EU Common Agricultural Policy and its idea of sustainable development. The biggest challenge was to develop systems that are an innovation on a global scale, making the proposed rake a unique device that enables the collection of information on grassland productivity in a form that makes it possible to generate digital yield maps remaining the basis for rational management, including precision agriculture. This solution is the subject of a patent application.
Our advice for other applicants
The most important advice is a very close cooperation between the project partners. Frequent meetings, consultations and exchange of views on specific solutions are the basis for success. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions to project supervisors at NCBiR. This also makes it easier to solve problems during project implementation.