Pre-operation preparation
Personnel training and inspection{#$^}: Operators must undergo technical training and hold valid certifications before working. Inspect the field for obstacles before operation, remove residual plastic film, and ensure components like the cotton box and picking heads are in proper condition.
Equipment adjustment{#$^}: Adjust the seat and rearview mirror to suitable positions, inspect tires, hydraulic systems, and fire extinguishers. Before starting, raise the picking head to its highest position and lock it, disengage the parking brake.
Starting and driving operation
Starting procedure{#$^}: After starting the engine, idle for 1-2 minutes, then engage the fan and picking head to ensure stable fan speed (≥3500 RPM).
Field operation{#$^}:
Select low gear (e.g., I gear), control speed via the stepless speed control handle, recommended working speed: 5-5.5 km/h; reduce speed to ≤3.5 km/h for low cotton plants.
Lower the picking head to the working position, activate the profiling system, and maintain the throttle (engine speed at 2200 RPM) to avoid clogging.
When turning or passing field ends, raise the picking head, use single-side brakes for assistance, and reduce speed to minimum.
Road driving{#$^}: Follow traffic rules, check clearance (e.g., wires, bridges), drive slowly on uneven roads, and avoid using field work lights.
Harvesting and maintenance key points
Harvesting control{#$^}:
Adjust the picking head profiling mechanism based on cotton plant height, maintaining a 3-5 mm gap between pressure plates.
Regularly clean the picking head (after each field pass), check cotton box capacity, and compact cotton to prevent overloading.
Unloading and parking{#$^}:
Drive to a safe area when the cotton box is full, reduce throttle to idle, disengage the fan and picking head, and reset the cotton box after unloading.
For prolonged parking, engage the parking brake and let the engine idle for 1-2 minutes before shutting down.
Safety precautions
Fire prevention measures{#$^}: Clear debris from the picking head during operation to avoid overheating from friction; in case of fire, unload cotton downwind and use fire extinguishers.
Emergency handling{#$^}: If stuck, slowly free the machine via rear towing hooks—avoid sharp pulls; after overloading, inspect and restart only after idling.
Night operation{#$^}: Ensure proper lighting and warning devices; open flames are prohibited.
Common issue adjustments
If picking efficiency is low, check pressure plate gaps and spring tension; if the fan clogs, inspect water pressure (recommended 15-25 PSI) and picking head cleanliness.
Continuously monitor instrument alarms during operation, perform regular maintenance to extend machine lifespan and ensure work quality.