Clipper

Range of Applications

The Clipper-type harvester is suitable for the large-area cutting of plants with a 3 to 4 m tall upright stalk. It is used mainly to cut commercial hemp, but can also be used to harvest kenaf, Chinese grass (white ramie) and other grassy and bushy plants with an upright stalk that are suitable for the technology of cutting to length.

The Clipper harvester is designed as a tractor accessory. It can be hooked to any tractor type with a capacity higher than 74 kW and fitted with a three-point ‘Euro-hitch’.

Video: using Clipper

The Clipper’s Functions

The Clipper harvester is manufactured in two basic versions: Clipper 4.3 MMH and Clipper 4.4 MMH. Both models have the same harvesting span of 4 m and a similar working output. The difference between these two models is in the number of harvesting levels. The 4.3 type is equipped with three cutting bars that cut stalks to 1000 mm pieces. The 4.4 type provides four cutting levels and a cutting bar spacing of 800 mm. The choice of machine type depends on the engineering technology that defines maximum stalk length and thus the spacing of the cutting bars.

Depending on the type (growth) of plant and on the requirements for further technological processing, one, two, three or four cutting bars are used, thus cutting stalks from one to four parts. When only one cutting bar is used whole plants can be harvested. The cut plants fall with their cut side facing down in the direction of travel.

The efficiency of the equipment varies according to the density and the height of the stand, the incline (bending) of plants caused by wind, rain, terrain surface and technical attending staff. Taking optimum conditions, the equipment can operate (harvest) at as much as 5 ha/hour. (See the table of practical harvesting capacities).

When all three cutting bars are tilted to a transport position the whole equipment can be easily transported on the road without having to be carried on a drop-side truck. The machine is certified for transportation on roads and is CE marked.

Clipper – transport position

Video: tilting to the transport position

The back axle is a calculation-optimized weldment with a hydraulic linear hydraulic motor with two basic functions. Stubble height control during harvesting and the height adjustment of the upper position of the axle during transport.

Video: example of height adjustment

The cutting bars do not require grinding or re-grinding. Their special design supports self-grinding during operation. When worn completely, the bars must be replaced. (Approximate intervals for replacing sickle knives and fingers).

Equipment Description

The machine consists of a calculation-optimized steel backbone frame onto which 3-4 cutting bars are attached to swivel-type heads. All cutting bars can be turned at an angle of 90°, thus changing the working and transportation position of the machine. The individual bars are fitted with anti-shock protection that prevents their damage in case of equipment overload or a crash.

The machine travel consists of one back axle. This design allows for optimum absorption of vibrations (occurring) during operation. The back axle is connected with the main frame by a hydraulic suspension, through which the lower cutting height is regulated (i.e. stubble height). The machine is therefore adjusted to copy the respective terrain.

The machine is hooked to a tractor by means of a three-point ‘Euro-hitch’. The integration of the rotating frame in the tractor hitch and in the back swiveling axle gives the machine excellent stability. When traveling on an uneven terrain, the pressure imposed on the axle is distributed evenly and the machine is protected from floundering in moist or sandy soil.

Machine description – working position

Main machine parts:

[1] Hydraulically controlled axle suspension – for setting the lower cutting bar height
[2] Backbone beam – load bearing structure
[1] Adjustable supports – their mechanical opening keeps the machine stable in a parking position
[4] Headlight – a total number of 3 headlights secures good visibility during harvesting at night
[5] Rotating frame for connection to a tractor (part of the knife) – reduces the radius when taking a turn and keeps the machine stable during harvesting and transport
[6] Axle with tires – ensures good absorption of vibrations and thus markedly enhances stability
[7] Rotating suspension of the bar – the load-bearing component of the cutting bar that turns by 90°
[8] Bar beam – special, calculation-optimized sheet metal ensuring (a) good service life during the abrasion of plants
[9] Tongue – a component protecting the lower part of the bar and frame
[10] Load-bearing hitch for the connection of a three-point suspension – Euro-hitch load-bearing component
[11] Illumination bracket – required during machine transport

Technical Data

Parameters / type	Clipper 4.3 MMH	Clipper 4.4 MMH
Number of bars	3	4
Bar working width [m]	4,0	4,0
Cut stalk length [mm]	1000	800 – 1000
Maximum working capacity [ha/hod]	5	4
Weight [kg]	2950	3500
Drive	mechanical-hydrostatic	mechanical-hydrostatic
Connection to tractor	3-point suspension	3-point suspension
Type of transport	Behind tractor	Behind tractor
Knife tilting	mechanically or hydraulically (latter upon request)	hydraulically

Harvesting capacity:

Cannabis sativa height	Harvesting capacity (ha/hour)
2,5 m	4 – 5
3,5 m	3,1
4,5 m and taller	1,6
Average *	1,9

* The calculation of the average value also includes the transfers between fields while harvesting an area of 1400 ha. The real harvesting capacity is always affected by hemp plant(s) height, field quality, weather, and the machine operator’s skills.