Abstract:A key facility for tillage and seeding implements testing is the experimental soil tillage platform, which is generally constructed in the indoor soilbins. However, soil structure and workability of the field state soil is not attainable with laboratory remolding procedures. Based on the previous works, a multifunctional soil tillage testing platform for insitu experiment was developed, serving as a specialized experimental equipment for various types of tractive or propelled tillage tools. This platform inherited the benefits of indoor soil bin systems, e.g. precision control, high interchangeability, adaptable to multiple testing tools and experimental plans. Being designed in a structure of supported frame and rail systems, the whole platform can be hoisted and loaded on a track for transportation. The four supporting beams sat on rails laid on soil surface, facilitating transversal and longitudinal movement, maneuvering from one field to another, as well as positioning for precision control for testing and measurement. Different tillage tools can be hooked on a multipurpose testing cart, on which complete set of sensors and power supply unit were supplied for propelling the attached tools and data collection. Two guidings railed on the platform guided the multipurpose testing cart, which was tracked by an electric driving mechanism. The forwarding speed was adjustable in a range of 0~1m/s. The four synchronous electric motors situated on the four supporting beams facilitated overall elevating movement of the platform and adjusted the working depth of tillage tools. Total attainable vertical displacement from both the platform movement and the screw mechanism of the testing cart can be 80cm, satisfying different experimental demands. A complete electrical power and control system was designed, which highly improved the degree of electrification. Trial test in field showed that the developed system was suitable for insitu multifactor and multilevel experimental test.
