ASSESSMENT OF DYNAMIC FEATURES OF MECHANICAL OSCILLATORS FOR A ROOT-BALLING MACHINE WITH A VIBRATING BLADE

A theoretical analysis of the oscillating motion produced by a mechanical oscillator for the vibrating blade of a root-balling machine was carried out. The result was harmonic motion with a strong phase displacement with respect to the forcing torque of the eccentric masses; however, the amplitude can be approximately calculated by in-air motion analysis. Experiments were also carried out in order to determine the cutting torque of the blade in typical treenursery soil. These results, together with the indications of other literature reports, were used to propose a possible design directive.