ROTARY HARROW FOR RIDGE CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO CROPS

It was established that quality pre-emergence cultivation of potato ridges depends on possibility of surface copying by working tools of a rotary harrow because of their vibrations. Rotary harrow design having damping devices and V-shaped spike tooth was suggested. Energy consumption evaluation depending on its speed, soil drag, operating modes and design parameters of working tools were researched. The optimal chain changing tension range was founded (100-120 H). Thus, the specific traction resistance of the newly developed harrow equaled 200-210 H/m, or 20 percent lower than that of a serial one. Data of field experiments characterizing influence of a harrow on quality of ridge cultivation and yield of potatoes were presented. It was showed that it is possible to create more favorable conditions for development and growth of potato due to use new harrow. As result potatoes yield increased by 1.2 -1.5 t/ha, or 4-6 percent. Fuel savings amounted to 12 percent