Shaking Functionality Evaluation of Four Different Types of Citrus Canopy-Shaker Tines

Abstract

Abstract. The shaking functionality of different types of shaking tines for citrus canopy shakers was evaluated. Shaking responses were simulated using ANSYS/LS-DYNA, and a tractor-mounted experimental shaking machine developed for conducting field trials. Straight nylon, bent nylon, straight PVC, and straight steel tines were used as shaking rods and, in experiments, accelerometers placed at branches and fruit to detect vibrational acceleration. Simulation results indicated that tine materials affected the vibrational response of trees and the acceleration peaks of branches and limbs exerted by a steel tine were ~2.0 times as high as exerted by a nylon tine. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the tine bending stiffness had a positive effect on the generated acceleration. Tree injuries caused by a straight nylon tine were much less than by other tines. The results suggested that a shaking tine should have high stiffness, but its surface should be soft. These simulation and experiment methods can be used for improving canopy shaker applications. Keywords: Citrus harvest, Canopy shaking, Shaking functionality, Trial.