Redesign of a multi-deck rotary mower for wider cutting width

Jacobsen is the one of the high-quality turf-equipment providers with powerful brand such as walking greens, riding greens and fairway mowers, as well as utility vehicles, sprayers and aerators. In the competitive market, existing rotary multi deck mower productivity is lower because of lesser cutting width. Competitors tend to lead this market segment because of their large cutting width mowers. Though similar capacity engine is used in both Jacobsen and competitor's equipments there is a huge difference in productivity.

It is required to evaluate the possibility of redesigning the blade diameter to increase width of cut. A new layout is generated for the deck assembly locations. Static structural analysis is done for the existing chassis by using ANSYS 12.0 and HYPERMESH 9.0 software in which failure locations were identified. Chassis failure locations were redesigned by using NX-6 design software. Decision to migrate to hydraulic gear pump was made due to additional deck assembly design requirements. Wing arm assembly is designed for the new rear deck assembly

Configuration-1 consists of 7 decks with blade diameter of.676 mm (26.62”); hydraulic pump power is increased to 6.47 Hp and deck motor capacity is changed to 19.09 cc/rev; the width of cut achieved is 3.9m (153”), and productivity is increased by70%. Configuration-2 consists of 7 decks with blade diameter of 586 mm (22.38”); no changes were made to hydraulic pump and deck motor. In this configuration the width of cut achieved is 3.1 m (123.7”) and increase of productivity is measured to be 36.7%.