A prototype of base cutter for sugar-cane harvester was designed and built. The floating performance was evaluated as a function of the profile reaction force (F N). The prototype was tested in a soil box using a carrier car running on sinusoidal and ramp type profiles with amplitudes of 0.025 and 0.05 m. The travel speeds used were of five different levels: 0.69, 1.12, 1.48, 1.82 and 2.12 m s-1. The best results were obtained while running on ramp profiles, both ascending or descending, independent of the profile amplitude or the travel speed. The sinusoidal profile showed good results for the travel speed of 1.48 m s-1, for both the amplitudes tested. The results demonstrated that the prototype may still be adjusted, as the floating action on the profile can be improved through the use of optimization techniques.
sugar-cane; harvester; base cutter; pantographic following
