Design of an adjustable chassis for a track type combine harvester

AbstractThe combine harvester, a versatile machine for harvesting various crops, has evolved to address specific challenges. In India, wheel-type harvesters were once common but struggled in muddy conditions, leading to the rise of track-type harvesters with better traction and maneuverability. However, these new machines faced breakdowns on uneven terrain, disrupting harvest schedules and causing financial losses. To tackle this, a solution was proposed: an adjustable chassis for track-type harvesters. This innovative design aimed to lift and level the chassis, enhancing stability and performance. Four hydraulic cylinders were installed between the chassis frame and walking device to achieve this. Mathematical models were developed to guide the mechanism’s design, ensuring optimal height and transverse tilt adjustments. Hydraulic components were carefully selected based on force calculations, with a MATLAB Simulink circuit designed for performance analysis.A virtual model of the adjustable chassis was created using CATIA software and imported into ADAMS simulation software to assess its attitude. Numerical validation in ANSYS software confirmed the design’s safety and feasibility. The height adjustment range was 0–245 mm, and the transverse tilt adjustment range was 0 ± 15.2° for a piston extension length of 0–100 mm. During simulation, the maximum pressure exerted by the pump was 100 bar, with hydraulic cylinders exerting a maximum force of 43.2 kN over 40 s. ADAMS simulation revealed maximum height adjustment and transverse tilt of 243 mm and 15.2°, respectively, under specific driving parameters.The designed lifting chassis exhibited a maximum displacement of 2.7 mm and a maximum stress of 394 MPa, with a safety factor of 1.94, indicating suitability for real-world applications. This solution promises to improve the efficiency and reliability of track-type combine harvesters, mitigating breakdowns and optimizing harvest operations.