Abstract:Aiming to tackle prevalent issues in hilly and mountainous agricultural machinery,including limited power modes, high emissions, complex operation, poor terrain adaptability and short endurance, a range-extended multifunctional remote controlled microtiller was designed for tasks such as rotary tillage, trenching, and weeding in confined spaces like orchards and greenhouses. Performance tests were carried out on the machine. The overall structure and working principle were firstly outlined, followed by static and modal analyses of the key loadbearing frame using ANSYS finite element analysis software. The analysis results validated the rationality of the frame design, effectively mitigating resonance risks while ensuring sufficient stiffness to meet operational requirements. Next, the core systems, including rotary tillage, movement, range-extended hybrid power and remote control were designed, along with the matching of key components. Finally, the micro-tiller was verified through multiple performance tests. The test results demonstrated that the micro-tiller exhibited a straight-line deviation rate of 2. 65% , meeting the national standard (≤6% ). With a minimum turning radius of 1 227 mm, it showed good maneuverability, making it well-suited for narrow slopes in hilly terrain. Remote control ensured stable operation of travel, steering, and implement lifting, significantly improving operational convenience. The machine performed steadily in slope traversal, step climbing, and ridge crossing, satisfying the requirements for complex terrain mobility. During rotary tillage tests on three slope gradients, tillage depth stability complied with the national standard (≥85% ), while the power system??s load adaptability and tillage efficiency met the agronomic demands of hilly environments. With the generator activated, endurance was increased by 50% on level ground, 37% on slopes, and 54% under working conditions. The study demonstrated that the developed range-extended remote-controlled micro-tiller for hilly and mountainous areas exhibited excellent passability, operability, work quality, and endurance, validating its strong adaptability to complex terrains and diverse agricultural requirements. It showed significant application potential.