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Design and Testing of a Self-Propelled Fork-Tooth Harvester for Medicinal Plant Rhizomes

Author

Listed:
  • Long Wang

    (College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Wei Sun

    (College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Luhai Zhang

    (College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Mechanized Agriculture Technology Popularization Station of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730046, China)

  • Ming Zhao

    (College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Dingxi Sanniu Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Dingxi 743000, China)

  • Petru A. Simionescu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi Campus, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA)

Abstract

To address the challenges of manually excavating deep-rooted medicinal herbs in the cold and arid regions of northwest China, such as low efficiency, high costs, and difficulties with mechanized methods, a self-propelled fork-tooth digger was developed for use in hilly and mountainous terrains. Key components, including the fork-tooth excavation device, hydraulic control system, and reverse trapezoidal crawler chassis, were designed and analyzed. A multi-body dynamics model (MBD) and discrete element model (DEM) for Astragalus and soil were developed, employing a DEM-MBD coupling method to simulate the harvesting process. Field trials demonstrated an excavation efficiency of 98.2%, a stem damage rate of 1.8%, a loss rate of 3.0%, and a maximum digging depth of 600 mm, all meeting existing industry standards. The results confirmed the design’s effectiveness in meeting the mechanization needs for harvesting rhizome medicinal herbs.

Suggested Citation

  • Long Wang & Wei Sun & Luhai Zhang & Ming Zhao & Petru A. Simionescu, 2025. "Design and Testing of a Self-Propelled Fork-Tooth Harvester for Medicinal Plant Rhizomes," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:694-:d:1620226
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