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. 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 in which failure locations were identified. Redesign the chassis by using NX-6. 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. 7 decks with blade diameter of 68 mm (26.62"); the width of cut achieved is 3.9m (153"), and productivity increased by70%. 7 decks with blade diameter of 59 mm (22.38"); In this configuration the width of cut achieved is 3.1 m (123.7") and productivity increased by 36.7%.