Use of Fortschritt E-281C self-propelled harvester in grass ensiling

Abstract

 Investigations were carried out in 2006 on sown meadows of the Agricultural Complex “Zlatibor”, Plc. The Fortschritt E-281C self-propelled harvester at two operating speeds of 2.16 km/h and 2.83 km/h was examined. Silage yield was 17.6-22.4 t/ha. At speeds lower than 2.16 km/h the harvester achieved the capacity of 6.61 t/h and surface area performance of 0.76 ha/h. At increased operating speeds of 2.83 km/h and at an improved working regime the harvester productivity increased to 9.02 t/h and 0.95 ha/h. Low harvester productivity, which was only 8.26-11.27% of the projected productivity, caused specific power consumption of 18.94 and 13.85 kWh/t in the first and second variant, respectively. The harvester had a quality performance, producing uniform chopped material, 74.46% of which was shorter than 5 cm. Maximum cutting height was 11 cm.

Better grass ensiling organisation may increase daily performance of the harvester.