Evaluation of A Portable Brush-Cutter for Harvesting Sugarcane

Abstract

It was found possible to modify a power-driven brush-cutter to cut, but not to windrow, standing cane. A short trial was made on cane being cut for seed to assess the usefulness and estimate the costs of operation in comparison to hand-cutting. The benefit from a faster rate of cutting did not compensate for the extra hand labor required for the operations of collecting, cleaning and topping. New procedures will have to be developed for these operations if the potential benefit from the use is to be realized. The advantages and disadvantages of the unit are described and the implications for operator selection and training and the provisions for servicing, are outlined.