A machine prototype for the chestnut mechanical harvest in steep zone

A machine able to perform the mechanical harvest of the chestnuts in the steep zones has been designed and realized. With the aid of a specific software it has been possible to perform a simulation of the different runs planning soil slopes higher than 35%, on spaces with maximum width of 80 cm and backs high 30 cm. Subsequently with the aid of the software Solidworks has been drawn the model in 3D to verify the compatibility of the dimensions of the considered machinery with the hypothesized spaces. The vehicle is composed of a tracked wagon surmounted by the aspirator and by the whole equipment of harvest. For such machine, once it has started, the operator can manage all the functions necessary to perform the chestnut mechanical harvest by remote, simply maneuvering by remote control. In such way it is avoided that the operator has to climb on steep slant, to perform manual chestnut harvest; all of this to advantage of the operator safety. The first harvest tests have been performed in only one passage, and they have been aimed to evaluate the functional and operational characteristics, related to the surface of an hectare. The tests of the machine prototype have been conducted with a speed of 1,8 km/h, with a soil moisture of 12%. Under these conditions, the working operational capacity of the considered machine has been satisfying, thanks also to the low incidence of the times accessories of turning on the total time. In conclusion with the use of such machine the harvest is performed in the full respect of the safeguard of the operators safety, and considerably guarantees to the farmer an optimization of the harvest operations with times and costs considerably reduced. Further researches and studies are necessary to optimize this machine for different soil and operative conditions.