Samart Harvesting Explained
At a recent show I overheard two of the visitors discussing a piece of agricultural machinery. Not sure whether they were actually potential customers, and had clearly not engaged the staff on the stand in conversation. They were confused, and simply did not know what the machine they were looking at could possibly be used for. I could have told them. It was a sugar cane harvester.
Many of us in the sugar industry are used to recognising the various features of the undeniably complex pieces of machinery that we use to process our cane product. But not everyone can be expected to look at one of our machines and immediately grasp the method of operation, or the principal concept on which it operates.
It is a niche industry in which mainly specialist operate, and not everybody can specialise in harvester design. So for the layman the machines probably seem complicated and confusing, simply because they are so complex. In the same way, for somebody entering the business or thinking of introducing mechanisation on an existing farm, there are many ways of deciding on the right machine for the application.
Samart’s Design Approach: Simple Yet Effective
At Samart, we tend to think that we simplify the selection decisions for our customers, we have 3 basic model lines: SM200C (tracked), Predator (general cutting) and Superspeed (contractor specific).
We can usually cover most requirements from these 3 designs, and because we standardise, and share components, our designs maintain a firm “family likeness”.
For example, we are so proud of our cutter/processer unit that it goes on all models, whereas drivelines and hydraulics differ, and when it comes to post process handling, things change, not only between our models, but in comparison to most other product on the market. One item that seems very different for new buyers, is our use of “Self Unloading”.
Self-Unloading: A New Approach to Harvesting in Challenging Conditions
Most harvesters require a trailer and truck to run alongside the machine to accept the cane billets as they are harvested. However, at Samart, we recognised that many new sites which are now opening up to mechanical harvesting require a machine to work independently of any other vehicles. Why? Basically because sugar that is planted for manual harvesting is planted where convenient. If cutting is manual that is not a problem. Small areas, narrow and compact areas, hillside, in fact anywhere a human worker can access can be reached and harvested.
But for mechanisation, these areas are a “no go”, unless you have the right machine. The Samart concept is to maintain simplicity and effectiveness, so to address this new potential, our harvesters must be able to carry a viable quantity of cut cane billet whilst working. In this way, the machine can complete its work cycle unhindered, holding cut cane in the hopper until ready to unload at the headland. We call this “self-unloading” and it means the machines can operate anywhere and anytime, without relying on support trucks or “follow” trailers to collect the cane. Of course this system is so convenient that it has been the preferred system for Samart customers for a very long time.
Samart’s Self-Unloading Cane Handling System
You will see the system on any Samart machine at the rear of the vehicle frame. Two distinctive systems, the 3 tonne cage basket on the SM200 and Predator and the 7 tonne bulk hopper on the Super speed.
Both hoppers are hydraulically operable from the drivers cab, so, once full, unloading is simple, (either into an agricultural container or trailer for consolidation) , and unloading is rapid, the three tonne is a tipper action, whilst for the extra bulk of the seven tonne, the entire rear frame lifts and a hydraulically driven auger pushes the billets from the hopper.
The driver can work at his own pace. With a bin or trailer properly positioned at the headland unloading becomes a fast and manageable process dictated by the driver without relying upon the coordination of co-workers.
The benefits to self-unloading systems are manifold;
- Independent operation
- No additional truck or driver required
- Substantially reduced damage to cut stalks (ratoon)
- Allows small and compact areas to be mechanically harvested
- Reduces cost per tonne of cut product
- Optimised logistics
Flexibility That Makes the Difference
But the main benefit is the flexibility self-unloading brings to the operation, With the ability to self- unload and to carry cut cane Samart machines are as comfortable clearing small fields as they are in large plantations. And with an effective capacity of 22 tonnes / hour, and a fuel demand of under a litre per tonne these machines have become even more attractive to sugar farmers who have challenging and varying demands.
So for those who do not really understand the benefit of using Samart machines we suggest that they get to know the concepts, product and quality that is the Samart range. We are always ready to help.
CHOOSE SAMART, YOU DESERVE IT.
