EQUIPMENT MATCHING FOR SILAGE HARVEST

During forage harvest for silage, the harvesters, transport units, and equipment at the storage site (blower, bagger, or bunker packing) must work at a similar rate to avoid idle equipment and labor. Harvester power (which determines potential harvester capacity) was used as a basis for sizing transport and unloading equipment and their power units. Cycle analysis was employed to determine transport unit needs to keep the harvester fully utilized. An empirical model of transport needs was developed and guidelines for silage harvest machinery sets are provided.