A Systems Approach to Forage Harvest Operations

During forage harvest for silage, a harvester(s), transport units, and storage site (blower, bagger, or bunker packing) must work together; capacity of these individual machines need to be reasonably matched. Harvester power (which controls harvester capacity) was used as a basis from which other equipment and power units may be sized. Cycle analysis was employed to determine transporter needs to keep the harvester fully utilized. An empirical model of transport needs was developed and sizing guidelines for forage machinery sets are provided.