A study of rotary drum mower blade wear and its effects on forage productivity

Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) is the main and oldest cultivated winter forage leguminous crop in Egypt. It occupies about one third of the cultivated area with average of 1.63 million Feddan (Feddan= 4200 m2 ). With an estimated productivity of about 42.03 million tons of green fodder [7]. In last years, the forage mower conditioner machine used in Egypt to cutting the Egyptian clover crops. The mean objectives of the current research were evaluated the new and wear blades attached in the rotary drum mower conditioner. As well as, study the effect of new and wear blades on the productivity of green fodder under local conditions. The current research carried out in the Sakha Research Station, Egypt during session 2016/2017. The drum mower conditioner was operated by tractor to cut the Berseem Egyptian clover forage crops (Sacha-4) at three different moisture content 65.4%, 57.3 and 46.2 % (d.b.) at second cutting of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum). The results indicated that, the average maximum value was 4.96 ton/fed compared with 2.42 ton / fed for Alfalfa moisture content 56.3 %. This result indicated that the wear old blade or wear knife may be going to reduce the productivity as 49.9%. The average maximum value of fuel consumption was 23.04 l/fad compared to 15.4 l/fed for Berseem Egyptian clover forage crops (Sacha-4) moisture content 65.7 %. This result indicated that the old blade or wear knife may be going consumed low values of fuel consumption per L/fed. This result indicated that the old blade or wear knife may be going reduce the PTO power. The average values of clover forage crops of power requirement were 28.83 hp, 24.9 hp, and 25.0 hp for old knife compared with 47.67 hp, 39.8 hp and 38.27 hp for new blade at 65.7 %, 57.3 % and 46.2 % moisture content respectively. The aim of the present research is evaluated the performance of new and wear blades attached in the rotary drum mower conditioner. As well as, study the effect of new and old blades on the productivity of green fodder under local conditions.