ARTICULATED ARM PROJECT FOR MAINTENANCE ON SUGAR CANE HARVESTERS

Abstract

The agribusiness sector is directly linked to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which reflects a positive evolution in industries each year, and around 27.5% of GDP in 2021 came from the sector's participation. This result is closely linked to the technological increase in the field, which generates high productivity and expands the frontiers of agribusiness. In general, a mechanic with a salary of sixteen reais per hour spends an average of 4 hours to change the ten harvester rollers, but four mechanics are needed, generating a cost of two hundred and fifty-six reais to chang the rollers. The objective of the project was to develop an articulated arm for maintenance on sugarcane harvester rollers, and this element has an average weight of 40 kg. After the development and construction of the prototype, it was observed that the main ratchet that moves the arm, due to the cylinder load, showed difficulty in activating, however it was proven that with the help of a collaborator, at the beginning of the lift, it is possible for the arm to perform the cylinder movement function. In the tests carried out, the mechanical arm supported a load of 60 kg and showed good performance, facilitating the removal of the harvester rollers and reducing the effort of workers carrying out maintenance. The total cost of the mechanical arm was approximately R$1500, using low-cost and accessible materials.