Issue №: 1 (132)
The journal presents the results of scientific research and addresses current issues in the development and improvement of agricultural equipment and technologies, particularly in the design, production, and operation of machines and technical systems in the agro-industrial complex, including aspects of their efficient functioning.
RESEARCH INTO THE MAIN DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROTARY WORKING BODY OF A MACHINE FOR HARVESTING ROOT AND TUBER CROPS
Serhii HRUSHETSKYI – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Mykhailo Samokysh Department of Agroengineering and Precision Farming Systems at the State Agrarian and Engineering University in Podillia (12 Shevchenka St., Kamianets-Podilskyi; e-mail: g.sergiy.1969@gmail.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0487-6152).
Nataliia DUBCHAK – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Machinery Use and Technologies in Agriculture, Separate Structural Subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine "Berezhany Agrotechnical Institute" (20 Akademichna Str., Berezhany, e-mail: dybchak1010@ukr.net, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3279-7897).
Andrii LINNIK – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Machinery Use and Technologies in Agriculture, Separate Structural Subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine "Berezhany Agrotechnical Institute" (20 Akademichna Str., Berezhany, e-mail: linnik_andrij@ukr.net, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3973-3733).
Volodymyr DYNIA – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Machinery Use and Technologies in Agriculture, Separate Structural Subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine "Berezhany Agrotechnical Institute" (20 Akademichna Str., Berezhany, e-mail: dunyvolodya@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0008-908X).
The improvement of technical equipment for harvesting root and tuber crops remains a key task in modern agricultural engineering. This is driven by the need to intensify production, increase energy efficiency, and reduce mechanical damage to the harvested crop. A decisive role in this process belongs to the rotary working element, which directly interacts with the soil and ensures crop extraction.
The aim of this study is to substantiate and determine the optimal design and technological parameters of a rotary working element affecting the completeness of extraction, soil separation efficiency, tuber damage, and energy consumption. The research combines theoretical analysis, CAD/CAE-based modeling of the stress-strain state, DEM simulation of soil and tuber movement, and laboratory testing in a soil bin under different soil and moisture conditions. A comparative analysis of domestic and foreign harvesting machines was also carried out.
The main parameters studied were the number, geometry, and arrangement of rotor blades, the profile of the gripping surface, the inclination angle of the working element, and the ratio between forward speed and rotor rotational speed.
The results showed that the most effective design is a rotary element with four spiral blades. Experimental and theoretical investigations confirmed that placing the blades at an angle of 25° to the horizontal provides a soft entry into the soil, reduces frontal resistance, and improves load distribution. This configuration reduced mechanical damage to tubers by 18% compared with passive and disc-type working elements. The optimal rotor speed was found to be 120 rpm, ensuring a balance between productivity, soil separation quality, and energy efficiency.
The practical value of the work lies in engineering recommendations for improving root and tuber harvesters, reducing crop losses, and increasing machine reliability.
1. Al Sammarraie, M. A. J., Gokalp, Z., & Irfan Ilbas, A. (2025). Challenges and innovations in potato harvester design: The role of artificial intelligence in improving crop sorting. Technology in Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.48130/tia-0025-0001 [in English].
2. Babii, A., & Holovetskyi, I. (2024). Engineering method of studying the kinematic parameters of the working body of the potato harvesting machine. Central Ukrainian Scientific Bulletin. Technical Sciences, 10(41), 200–212. https://doi.org/10.32515/2664-262X.2024.10(41).1.200-212 [in English].
3. Babii, A., Holovetskyi, I., & Boiko, V. (2024). Analysis of the behavior of potato bearing layer particles on the oscillating plane of the potato plant ploughshare. Scientific Journal of TNTU (Tern.), 116(4), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.33108/visnyk_tntu2024.04.078 [in English].
4. Beznosyuk, S. A., Miroshnichenko, A. V., & Volkova, M. S. (2022). Study on rotor vibration potato-soil separation device for potato harvester using DEM-MBD coupling simulation [Preprint]. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2024.108638 [in English].
5. Brusenkov, A. V., & Konovalov, D. N. (2024). A new rotary shredder for root vegetables with low energy consumption. Russian Engineering Research, 44, 165–168. https://doi.org/10.3103/S1068798X24020060 [in English].
6. Bulgakov, V., Bonchik, V. S., Holovach, I., Fedosiy, I., Volskiy, V., Melnik, V., ... & Olt, J. (2021). Justification of parameters for novel rotary potato harvesting machine. Agronomy Research, 19, 994–1007. https://doi.org/10.15159/ar.21.079 [in English].
7. Bulgakov, V., Ivanovs, S., Pascuzzi, S., Adamchuk, V., Ruzhylo, Z., Ihnatiev, Y., ... & Santoro, F. (2022). Experimental research of quality indicators of operation of new potato harvester. Engineering for Rural Development, 21, 701–707. https://doi.org/10.22616/ERDev.2022.21.TF222 [in English].
8. Bulgakov, V., Pascuzzi, S., Ivanovs, S., Ruzhylo, Z., Fedosiy, I., & Santoro, F. (2020). A new spiral potato cleaner to enhance the removal of impurities and soil clods in potato harvesting. Sustainability, 12(23), 9788. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239788 [in English].
9. Bulgakov, V., Pascuzzi, S., Nikolaenko, S., Santoro, F., Anifantis, A. S., & Olt, J. (2019). Theoretical study on sieving of potato heap elements in spiral separator. Agronomy Research, 17, 33–48. https://doi.org/10.15159/ar.19.073 [in English].
10. Deepan Kumar, R., Siva Kumar, P., & Senthil Kumar, R. (2023). Design and analysis of retrofit for root crop harvester. SAE Technical Paper Series, 2023-28-0052. https://doi.org/10.4271/2023-28-0052 [in English].
11. Devaux, A., Goffart, J. P., Kromann, P., Andrade-Piedra, J., Polar, V., & Hareau, G. (2021). The potato of the future: Opportunities and challenges in sustainable agri-food systems. Potato Research, 64, 681–720. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-021-09501-4 [in English].
12. Dorokhov, A., Ponomarev, A., Zernov, V., Petukhov, S., Aksenov, A., Sibirev, A., Sazonov, N., & Godyaeva, M. (2022). The results of laboratory studies of the device for evaluation of suitability of potato tubers for mechanized harvesting. Applied Sciences, 12(4), 2171. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042171 [in English].
13. Du, X., Liu, J., Zhao, Y., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Wang, Y. (2024). Design and test of discrete element-based separation roller potato–soil separation device. Agriculture, 14(7), 1053. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071053 [in English].
14. Frontiers Review. (2023). Overview of technical parameters affecting root crop harvesting performance. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, Article 1156734. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1156734 [in English].
15. Fu, X., Meng, Z., Wang, Z., Yin, X., & Wang, C. (2022). Dynamic potato identification and cleaning method based on RGB-D. Engenharia Agrícola, 42(3). https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4430-eng.agric.v42n3e20220010/2022 [in English].
16. Goffart, J. P., Haverkort, A., Storey, M., Haase, N., Martin, M., Lebrun, P., ... & Van Ittersum, M. K. (2022). Potato production in northwestern Europe (Germany, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium): Characteristics, issues, challenges and opportunities. Potato Research, 65, 503–547. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-021-09535-8 [in English].
17. Hrushetskiy, S. M., Yaropud, V. M., Duganets, V. I., Pryshliak, V. L., & Kurylo, V. M. (2019). Research of constructive and regulatory parameters of the assembly working organs for the potato’s harvesting machines. INMATEH-Agricultural Engineering, 59(3), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.35633/inmateh-59-11 [in English].
18. Hrushetskiy, S. M., Yaropud, V. M., & Babyn, I. A. (2020). Doslidzhennia iakosti separatsii kartoplianoho vorokhu pidkopuval'nymy robochymy orhanamy kartoplezbyral'noi mashyny [Investigation of the quality of separation of potato heap by digging working bodies of a potato harvesting machine]. Vibratsii v tekhnitsi ta tekhnolohiiakh, 1(96), 125–140. https://doi.org/10.37128/2306-8744-2020-1-14 [in Ukrainian].
19. Hrushetskyi, S., Yaropud, V., Kupchuk, I., & Semenyshena, R. (2021). The heap parts movement on the share-board surface of the potato harvesting machine. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov Series II: Forestry Wood Industry Agricultural Food Engineering, 14(63), 127–140. https://doi.org/10.31926/but.fwiafe.2021.14.63.1.12 [in English].
20. Hrushetskyі, S., & Havrylyuk, M. (2025). Study of design characteristics and parameters of separating slides of potato harvesting machines. International Science Journal of Engineering & Agriculture, 4(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.46299/j.isjea.20250401.03 [in English].
21. Jennings, S. A., Koehler, A.-K., Nicklin, K. J., Deva, C., Sait, S. M., & Challinor, A. J. (2020). Global potato yields increase under climate change with adaptation and CO2 fertilisation. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4, 519324. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.519324 [in English].
22. Li, J., Lv, Y., Sun, Y., & Lin, Y. (2022). Design and experiment of separating and lifting device of potato harvester. Journal of Agricultural Mechanization Research, 44, 1–263. https://doi.org/10.13427/j.cnki.njyi.2022.12.020 [in English].
23. Muneer, T., & Dowell, R. (2022). Potential for renewable energy-assisted harvesting of potatoes in Scotland. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 17, 469–481. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctac012 [in English].
24. Olt, J., Bulgakov, V., Bonchik, V., Ruzhylo, Z., Volskiy, V., Melnik, V., Ihnatiev, Ye., & Kaletnik, H. (2021). Theoretical research into operation of rotary potato harvester. Agronomy Research, 19(3), 1640–1658. https://doi.org/10.15159/AR.21.111 [in English].
25. Poppa, L., Frerichs, L., & Niemöller, B. (2020). Validation of a particle simulation of potato tubers under harvesting-like conditions. Landtechnik, 75(4), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.15150/lt.2020.3245 [in English].
26. Tikuneh, D. B., Bedie, A. F., & Awoke, B. G. (2023). Design, manufacture, and performance evaluation of a single-axle tractor-operated potato digger elevator. Cogent Engineering, 10(2), 2251744. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2023.2251744 [in English].
27. Ulyanov, M. V., Skripkin, D. V., Kharlashin, A. V., Ulyanova, A. V., Ayugin, N. P., & Khalimov, R. Sh. (2022). Improving the design of a root crop harvester in order to increase the sustainability of agriculture. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 965, 012056. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/965/1/012056 [in English].
28. Wang, H., Zhao, W., Sun, W., Liu, X., Shi, R., Zhang, H., Chen, P., & Gao, K. (2024). The design and experimentation of a wheeled-chassis potato combine harvester with integrated bagging and ton bag-lifting systems. Agriculture, 14(9), 1461. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091461 [in English].
29. Wei, X., Liu, H., Zhang, Y., & Li, J. (2023). Optimization design of a multi-stage separation mechanism in a potato harvester. Agriculture, 13(7), 675. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15070675 [in English].
About the journal
G8 – Materials Science
G9 – Applied Mechanics
G10 – Metallurgy
G11 – Mechanical Engineering (by specializations)
The journal "Engineering, Energy, Transport AIC" is indexed according to the following databases and catalogs:
The All-Ukrainian scientific journal “Technology, energy, agriculture transport AIC” is an open-access scientific publication that publishes the results of original research, theoretical and applied developments, as well as scientific papers in the fields of engineering sciences, energy systems, and transport technologies of the agro-industrial complex.
The main objective of the scientific journal “Technology, energy, agriculture transport AIC” is to disseminate the results of modern scientific research and to promote the development of technical, energy, and transport solutions for the agro-industrial complex through the publication of scientific materials characterized by scientific novelty and practical significance in the field of design and modernization of machinery, equipment, and technologies.
The journal’s activities are focused on supporting the development of engineering science, stimulating the implementation of innovative approaches into industrial practice, as well as ensuring effective exchange of scientific achievements among researchers, educators, engineers, and other specialists in relevant fields.
Objectives of the Journal
To achieve its defined objective, the journal ensures the implementation of the following key tasks:
· publication of the results of fundamental and applied research covering the fields of applied mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science, energy systems, electrical engineering, electromechanics, and transport systems of the agro-industrial sector;
· promotion of the implementation of advanced technical and technological developments aimed at improving the efficiency of machinery, equipment, and production processes;
· creation of conditions for active scientific exchange among research institutions, higher education institutions, industrial enterprises, and other interested organizations;
· support for the development of interdisciplinary research and expansion of cooperation among specialists in various fields of science and technology;
· promotion of the improvement of the scientific and technical level of research related to the design, modernization, and operation of technical equipment used in agro-industrial production;
· dissemination of information on modern achievements in science and technology and the implementation of innovative technologies in the fields of technical support, energy, and transport;
· development of a scientific information environment that facilitates effective scientific communication and the integration of national research into the international scientific community.
Publication frequency: 4 issues per year
Languages of publication: Ukrainian, English
Editor-in-Chief: Vitalii YAROPUD
State Registration: Decision of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting № 1337 and № 1180. Media Identifier: R30-05173
EDRPOU Code: 00497236
Publisher ROR: https://ror.org/05m3ysc06
Publisher DOI Prefix: 10.37128
Technology, energy, agriculture transport AIC is a scholarly professional journal with a long-standing history and stable academic tradition, reflecting the evolution of engineering and technical sciences within the agro-industrial sector of Ukraine.
The journal was founded in 1997 under the title Bulletin of Vinnytsia State Agricultural Institute. According to the Resolution of the Presidium of the Higher Attestation Commission of Ukraine dated September 11, 1997, the publication obtained the status of a professional scientific journal, which enabled the publication of the main results of doctoral and candidate dissertations in technical sciences. From its inception, the journal positioned itself as an academic platform for addressing current issues of mechanization, electrification, and technical support of agricultural production. During 2001–2014, the journal was published under the title Proceedings of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University. Series: Technical Sciences (State Registration Certificate of Print Media KV No. 16644-5116 PR dated April 30, 2010). Throughout this period, a systematic approach to the selection and peer review of scientific manuscripts was established, the thematic scope of publications was expanded, and continuity of scientific directions as well as the development of sectoral engineering schools was ensured. Since 2015, the journal has been published under its current title, Technology, energy, agriculture transport AIC (State Registration Certificate No. 21906-11806 R dated March 12, 2016). The change of title reflected the expansion of the journal’s thematic coverage and its orientation toward interdisciplinary research in mechanical engineering, energy systems, electrical engineering, transport technologies, automation, and digital solutions for the agro-industrial complex.





