Study of immersion of deep softeners of a combined machine for agricultural applications in vineyards: Ensuring consistent depth and uniform movement

This article presents theoretical and experimental research on the performance of deep softeners in a combined machine designed for agricultural applications, particularly in vineyards. The study focuses on achieving consistent working depth and stable operation between rows of grapevines. Theoretical analysis highlights the importance of accurately determining the vertical distance from the support plane to the lower suspension points to ensure the desired immersion depth and operational stability. To verify the theoretical findings, experiments were conducted to evaluate how the depth of cultivation and the root mean square deviation of the vertical distance influence tensile strength during operation. The tests involved adjusting the vertical distance from the base plane to the lower suspension points incrementally from 65 cm to 80 cm, with fixed vertical spacing of 90 cm between upper and lower suspension points. A cultivation depth of 45 cm was maintained, and the machine operated at speeds of 6 and 8 km/h. Results showed that the optimal vertical distance from the support plane to the lower suspension points should be at least 75 cm to ensure efficient and consistent operation of the deep softeners in vineyard conditions.