Possibility of applying a slider-crank mechanism to design sugarcane buds cutter

The cutting forces estimation is one of the most important design criteria necessary for the optimal manufacture of sugarcane buds cutting machines. This research was conducted to investigate the possibility of applying a slider-crank mechanism to design a sugarcane buds cutter and estimating the power required to operate the mechanism. Random samples of Egyptian sugarcane variety C-9 (At the average moisture content of 76.33 % wet basis) were used to determine cutting forces under three-blade sharpening angles 15, 30 and 45° at the different positions of the cane stick. The results indicated that the cutting force increased by increasing the blade sharpening angle at all positions of the cane stalks. The maximum value of cutting force was 138.1 kg at the node position and bottom of cane stalks using a blade sharpening angle of 45o. The minimum value of cutting force was 77.5 kg at the internode position and top of the cane stick using the knife chamfer angle of 15o. A sliding-crank mechanism can be applied in the design of the sugarcane stalk buds cutting unit. Under experimental conditions, it is possible to use an engine of at least 0.21 hp to operate the mechanism.