OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSPORT AND TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICING OF GRAIN HARVESTERS IN SMALL AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

Abstract

Rational organization of transport and technological processes during grain harvesting is one of the key factors in improving agricultural production efficiency. This problem is especially relevant for small agricultural enterprises with limited machinery resources and cultivated areas of up to 500 hectares. The article presents scientific and methodological approaches to optimizing the transport and technological servicing of grain harvesters, taking into account modern technical and logistic solutions. The purpose of the study is to substantiate a rational scheme of interaction between harvesters, transport vehicles, and intermediate links (grain auger wagons) to ensure continuity of the harvesting process and minimize equipment downtime. The research methodology included analytical and experimental methods, time studies, and mathematical modeling. A comparative analysis of two technological schemes – direct transportation and transportation using grain transfer vehicles – was carried out. It was established that the introduction of an intermediate link reduces harvester downtime by 60–70%, increases the coefficient of machine time utilization up to 0.9–0.92, and raises the complex productivity by 13–16%. The use of grain auger wagons also reduces specific energy consumption by 10–12% and soil compaction by 35–40%, which has a positive environmental effect. The developed synchronization model of the harvesting and transport system elements can be applied in planning technological processes in small Ukrainian farms. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of implementing the “harvester – grain transfer vehicle – transport” system as an effective tool for optimizing harvesting logistics.