Mechanical cotton picker

Types of mechanical cotton pickers

A mechanical cotton picker is designed for harvesting cotton. Mechanical cotton pickers help eliminate the need for manual cotton picking, which was previously the case, and allow for more extensive cotton fields to be harvested in shorter periods. Different types of mechanical cotton pickers are suited for various agricultural practices.

• Module Pickers:

  Module cotton pickers are typically designed for larger-scale cotton farming operations. They have features that enhance productivity and efficiency. These may include a high-capacity harvesting unit, an automated module maker, and a large storage container for harvested cotton, which means fewer trips to empty the container.

• Straw Baler Integration:

  Some mechanical cotton pickers have innovative technology that integrates straw balers. This helps reduce cotton field cleanup by efficiently picking cotton and simultaneously creating straw bales to facilitate recycling or livestock feeding.

• Round Basket Mechanical Cotton Picker

  Round basket cotton pickers are smaller than module pickers and are more suited for small to medium-scale cotton farms. Round basket cotton pickers are versatile and suitable for various agricultural practices. They are equipped with a round basket at the rear to collect harvested cotton. The baskets can be swapped out for multiple sizes, giving farmers a choice between smaller and larger options.

  Another version of the round basket picker is the 6-row cotton picker, which is specifically manufactured with 6 rows. It is suited for broadacre farming methods where a significant portion of the land is used to cultivate cotton that is not intercropped.

• Modular Cotton Picker:

  Modular cotton pickers are designed to be more versatile than the round basket cotton picker. A significant feature of this type of picker is that it has a lot of configurations and options to suit farms of different sizes. Additionally, it can be adjusted to accommodate other crops. Modular cotton pickers can also be customized to have different harvesting heads and collection systems.

Specifications and maintenance of mechanical cotton pickers

Specifications

• Width

  The width of the mechanical picker correlates to the swath or rows of cotton it is designed to cover in a single pass. Pickers with wider widths reduce the number of rows that need processing, therefore, enhancing efficiency and time efficiency. Typical picker widths range from 6.1m to 9.14m (20 to 30 ft).

• Height

  The height of the picker correlates to the average height of cotton plants. It is vital to guarantee that pickers can efficiently access and collect cotton bolls, even those located at higher levels. The height of the picker is adjustable to match varying cotton plant heights and ensure an optimal harvesting speed.

• Capacity

  This is the volume or weight of cotton that a mechanical picker can process and collect during a specified period, typically expressed in terms of acres harvested per hour or cotton bolls picked per minute. The capacity is influenced by factors such as the design of the picker, the efficiency of its harvesting mechanism, and the speed at which it is operated.

Maintenance

• Before the start of the cotton-picking season, inspect the entire machine carefully and perform the required repair and maintenance work on it, if any.

• Regularly inspect, maintain, and service the cotton-picking machines and ensure that all the functional parts of the equipment have been appropriately maintained and are in an ideal state before deployment.

• When using the mechanical cotton picker, it is essential to keep the equipment clean and free from any residue or waste that can affect work efficiency or pick quality. Routine cleaning of the equipment should be considered. It includes removing cotton fibers, lint, and other debris from the pickerheads, conveyors, and collection baskets.

• Periodically inspect and replace the following components to ensure proper functioning:

• Modification:

  According to the local harvesting environment and cotton varieties, modify mechanical cotton pickers to ensure efficient harvesting quality and productivity.

Usage scenarios of mechanical cotton pickers

Mechanical cotton pickers have revolutionized the scenarios in which they can be applied by expanding beyond just the cotton industry and now finding numerous applications in various sectors.

• Fruit Harvesting: Mechanical cotton pickers are being used to harvest different types of fruits such as apples, pears, and kiwis, which grow on trees that are of similar heights to cotton plants. Fruits such as strawberries and watermelons also have vines close to the ground where cotton pickers can be useful. Employing these machines to harvest fruits can save labor costs while improving harvesting efficiency and quality.
• Food Harvesting: Multiple kinds of crops such as rice, wheat, and soybeans are typically harvested using mechanical means, but now mechanical cotton pickers provide an alternative method for reaping these crops. By doing so, farmers can increase their productivity while decreasing the number of people required for harvesting, hence streamlining the entire process.
• Nursery and Greenhouse Operations: Hydroponic farms and greenhouses often grow fruits and vegetables at an elevation. Therefore, there is a need for harvesting equipment that can reach higher safely and efficiently. Mechanical cotton harvesters are one of the solutions that can be applied in these scenarios. By using such machines, workers can be spared from physical strain while production levels are increased.
• Horticulture and Landscaping: Cultivation of ornamental plants, turf grasses, and garden vegetables demands precision trimming of leaves and stems. This is similar to cotton plants where delicate harvesting is required. Mechanical cotton harvesters are adapted to meet this demand by allowing for selective harvesting with minimal damage done to the plant.
• Organic Cotton Farms: Farms that grow organic cotton rely on the same methods of harvesting as conventional ones; however, they require more careful procedures in order not to use harmful chemicals during farming practices. The mechanical pear shaped cotton harvesters can provide such ways by allowing for a clean and chemical-free harvest process without interfering with the organic integrity of the fruit.

Overall, mechanical cotton pickers provide a valuable solution for efficiently and sustainably harvesting organic cotton that is cultivated under these practices.

How to choose mechanical cotton pickers

• Assessing the area of operations:

  A farmer's primary factor in deciding which picker to select is the size of the cotton field. Walk-behind pickers are suited for small-scale farms. On the other hand, self-propelled, ride-on, and harvesters are appropriate for large-scale cotton cultivation.

• Considering farm topography:

  The choice of mechanical cotton picker varies depending on farm terrain. A rider cotton picker suits flat, even farmland, while a low-draft self-propelled picker works better for uneven or hilly farms.

• Assessing cotton plant characteristics:

  Plant height and field density also determine the suitable cotton harvester. If the cotton plants are closely planted, a self-propelled cotton picker would be ideal for easy navigation through the field. Conversely, if the cotton plants are high in elevation, a rider cotton picker would be more appropriate.

• Evaluating harvesting efficiency:

  The picking efficiency of all pickers differs. Self-propelled mechanical cotton pickers have the best picking efficiency. They are faster than self-dragged and ride-on cotton pickers and suit large farms. While self-dragged pickers are less efficient, they are more productive than ride-on pickers suitable for small farms. Walking mechanized pickers are the slowest efficient harvesters and are used for very small-scale cotton farming.

• Considering compatibility with cotton trailers:

  Farmers should select a cotton picker compatible with their cotton trailer. A good trailer will reduce the time spent unloading the cotton into the trailer while on the field.

FAQ

Q1: What is the history of mechanical cotton pickers?

A1: In the 1940s, the first mechanical cotton picker was developed. The original picker was a tray-based picker that required pickers to put cotton in a tray. Then, in 1950, the first mechanical picker with a suction-based mattress was introduced.

Q2: What is the future of mechanical cotton picking technology?

A2: The future of mechanical cotton pickers looks bright. The evolution of these machines will continue to increase efficiency and decrease environmental footprint.

Q3: What are the benefits of using mechanical cotton pickers?

A3: Mechanical cotton pickers improve cotton harvest efficiency and reduce labor costs. Moreover, they can enhance cotton quality control and lower contamination during the harvesting process.

Q4: What are the drawbacks of mechanical cotton pickers?

A4: One drawback of mechanical cotton pickers is the initial investment cost. Also, these machines may be suitable for some types of cotton fields.