REDUCING GRAIN LOSSES DURING WHEAT CLEANING UNDER THE OPERATION OF A FARM’S MACHINE AND TRACTOR FLEET
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2025.3.1.23Keywords:
grain loss, crop cleaning, separation of grain impurities, combine sieve system, airflow regulation, sensorbased loss monitoring, CFDDEM modelingAbstract
The rational use of technical resources in the grain harvesting process is crucial for minimizing yield losses, especially under the operation of worn-out machine and tractor fleets in smallholder farms. The most vulnerable stage is the cleaning system, where poor sieve adjustment, unoptimized airflow, and excessive material feeding significantly reduce the yield of marketable grain. Investigating the impact of machine condition, feeding rate, airflow parameters, and sieve construction on grain loss levels enables the substantiation of effective measures for optimizing the cleaning process. The aim of the study was to identify the key factors of grain loss during wheat cleaning under the operation of combines in various technical conditions and to develop practical recommendations for reducing these losses in farm settings. The study was conducted in 2024–2025 on the basis of three farms in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, using the combines John Deere 9500, Claas Lexion 450, and SK-5 “Niva.” The analysis included a comparison of losses using gravimetric and sensor methods, testing of different cleaning modes, and airflow modeling using CFDDEM simulation. The results demonstrated that the lowest grain losses (0.62 %) occurred in modern machines with automated control systems, whereas worn-out equipment showed losses exceeding 2.8 %. Experimental evidence confirmed the effectiveness of controlled feeding rate, optimized sieve geometry, and sensor-based monitoring. The proposed measures allow farms to reduce grain losses without the need for full-scale fleet modernization.
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