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Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version. If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options. Effects of Field Variables on Infield Biomass Bales Aggregation StrategiesPublished by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org Citation: 2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012 121337357.(doi:10.13031/2013.42147)Authors: Igathinathane Cannayen, Cole R Gustafson, David Archer, John Hendrickson, Scott Kronberg Keywords: Baler, Bale collection, Farm machinery, Logistics, Transportation Infield aggregation of bales, an essential logistics operation of clearing the field for subsequent cropping, is influenced by several field variables, such as field shape, area, randomness on bale layout, biomass yield per unit area, bale row spacing, number of bales handled simultaneously, collection paths (minimum distance path (MDP) vs baler path (MDP)), and aggregation strategies. This paper determines the effect of these field variables and also ranks the bale aggregation strategies based on efficiencies. Cumulative Euclidean distances of bale aggregation formed the evaluating principle for comparing various scenarios. The aggregation scenarios were compared with the simplest single bale loader method considered control. A developed computer program was used in the analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that the effect of field shape, randomness on bale layout, bale row spacing, and biomass yield per unit area did not affect aggregation efficiencies. However, area, number of bales handled simultaneously, collection paths, and aggregation strategies were significantly different, in general, while no significant differences were found among closely related subsequent observations. Overall, self-loading bale picker with MDP (80%) and parallel transport of loader and truck with MDP (78%) were ranked the highest and single bale central grouping the lowest (29%) based on aggregation efficiencies. Great savings on bale aggregation distances that directly influence time, fuel, and cost were realized when the number of bales handled was increased or additional equipment utilized. These results were applicable most practical field scenarios. (Download PDF) (Export to EndNotes)
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