Simulation optimization and experimental validation of hydraulic impact in pruning machines

Abstract This study addresses the instability caused by hydraulic shocks in fruit tree pruning machines during operation and proposes an optimization scheme that combines simulation with experimentation. We investigated the mechanisms of load shock in the hydraulic system through mathematical modeling and LS-DYNA simulation analysis. The optimal operating parameters were determined using mechanical and orthogonal analyses: a forward speed of 4 km h −1 , a pruning tool angle of 60°, and a saw blade rotation speed of 1200 r min −1 . Additionally, we employed AMESim simulation to optimize the hydraulic system of the pruning machine by designing a dual accumulator configuration to effectively suppress hydraulic shocks. We validated the optimized system through simulations and experimental tests, demonstrating significant reductions in pressure fluctuations, with cutting efficiency improved by 30% and pressure fluctuations reduced by 26.7%. This study not only presents an innovative dual accumulator design but also validates its effectiveness in pruning machines through simulations and experiments, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and stability of agricultural machinery.