Prototype for Production of Fast-Drying Forage Mats

A research prototype was constructed to evaluate the production of macerated forage mats which generally field-dry to storable moisture in less than one day. This machine concurrently carried out four functions: (a) mowing, (b) macerating, (c) forming into mats, and (d) placing mats on the stubble. Machine performance is evaluated, and areas needing imporvements are discussed.