Specifications.pdf

Specifications Project: Procurement of a plot combine

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: Scientists and personnel at the US Dairy Forage Research Center have identified the need for a plot combine that is specifically designed for harvesting small research plots.

2.0 Background: Research programs at the US Dairy Forage Research Center are interdisciplinary and include the development of cropping systems that enhance forage production while protecting cropland and water resources. The plot combine will be used in research to develop improved cover crop systems for dairy farms, and it will be used at the Prairie du Sac research farm to assess and document best management practices for cover crops to farmers. As needed, the plot combine will harvest and separate grain for small plot research, allowing more precise assessment of utilizing various cover crops in dairy forage rotations.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

Specifications

1. General

• Vendor must demonstrate prior experience with manufacturing a plot combine that meets specifications described below and demonstrate that the plot combine has been successfully used for grain harvesting and is a durable and reliable product.

2. Plot combine for forage grains Dimensions:

• Maximum width of 6.5 ft, maximum height of 9.5 ft, and wheel base maximum of 8 ft with ground clearance of 7.5-10 in.

• Maximum weight of 6,500 pounds with a turning diameter of 26.5 ft.

maximum for high maneuverability

Engine and drive train:

• Water cooled diesel engine with maximum of 60 HP to keep machine small and light weight

• 2 stage air filter with a primary cyclone filter and a secondary paper cartridge filter

• Fuel tank capacity of minimum 10 gallons to provide for a full day of operation

• Hydrostatic ground drive with wheel hub motors in front axle

• Step-less adjustable driving speed with a multi-function lever between 0-10 mph

• Electrical engageable differential lock, multiple disc hand brake, and power steering

Controls and safety:

• Color display to set and monitor all key threshing parameters

• Monitoring and storing of error messages for trouble shooting

• Push buttons in the rear of the combine to adjust the cleaning fan while standing at the back of the combine

• Electrohydraulic header engagement with emergency stop button

• Safety seat switch to shut down the header when the operator leaves the driver’s seat

• Multifunction lever with buttons for: raise/lower header, raise/lower reel, header clean out, and sieve cleaning

• CAN bus control system for easy troubleshooting (old style relay electrics is not preferred)

Driver’s platform:

• One-person cabin with air conditioning

• Driver position to the left of the combine for equal weight distribution

• Maximum of 2.5 full turns of steering wheel to travel from post to post for easy maneuverability

• Angle and height adjustable steering column

• Height and position adjustable seat with integrated seat switch, spring suspended

Threshing system:

• The threshing cylinder must have 6 rasp bars, diameter 13.6”, width 30.9”, completely open to prevent seeds from hanging up inside

• Hydraulic adjustable variator speed, controlled via the main color display

• Concave cartridge system to exchange the concave sideways without tools for quick and efficient cleaning or changing to different crops

• Concave with 9mm clearance between the concave wires for threshing grass and forage seeds

• Suction effort from the threshing drum to lower dust exposure

• Scrapers inside the main conveyor belt for small seed modification

Cleaning system:

• 2-level surface shaker with a 17 ft separation area and straw loosening element

• 2 different shaker stroke length

• Quick-change system to take the shaker out within 4 minutes

• Single sieve cleaning systems for highest purity to minimize area for small seeds to get caught

• 5 different inclination settings for the sieve

• Plot clean out system activated by a button on the multi-function lever to bring cleaning fan to maximum speed

Seed handling:

• Pneumatic seed transport system throughout the whole machine

• Blower with adjustable airflow and cyclones

• Injector sluice with adjustable gap

• 12 bushel grain tank with hydraulic foldable unload auger, installed above the front axle to prevent high weight on the small rear wheels

• Flap in the bottom of the tank for easy cleaning

Weighing and sampling system:

• Weighing system to collect weight and moisture

• Panasonic tablet with active docking station to run weighing system software

• Sub-sampling system below the weighing system for two people to harvest in addition to a sampling system at the driver’s platform for one-person harvest

• Software for data collection

• Grain flow control through seed detection sensors (time based system is not preferred)

Header:

• 5 ft. grain Uniflow header with intake conveyor, auger combination, and feeding roller for damage-free mixing and transport of material

• Swingable and adjustable crop dividers that are removable for transport

• Conveyor belt no less than 25 degrees steep in the lowest position to prevent seeds from rolling down during harvest

• Minimum cutting height of less than 2 in.

• 2 reel brushes installed on every other bat

• Pneumatic clean out system with dedicated blower to prevent mixing on the header, activated by a button on the multi-function lever

• Small seed modification with scrapers inside the header conveyor belt

Warranty, delivery, and training:

• On-site setup and training for the combine

• At least a 12-month warranty

• Factory technicians and service available within 4.5 hour driving distance for emergency repairs

• Spare parts must be stocked at supplier’s facilities in the US and available for next-day delivery

4.0 Government Furnished: NA

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule: The plot combine and accessories (as described in the technical requirements specifications above) will be manufactured and shipped by the vendor and received at the USDFRC Research Farm at Prairie du Sac, WI 120 days after receipt of order or as negotiated.

Key Deliverables Item No.

Deliverable

Objective

Due

1 Plot combine and accessories

Plot combine and accessories will be manufactured according to specifications and fully functional for intended purposes.

Prior to shipping

2 Plot combine arrives at the USDFRC Research Farm

Plot combine is appropriately shipped and arrives without damage at the US Dairy Forage Research Center Farm, S8822 Sunset Dr, Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578

120 days ARO

6.0 Travel: NA

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: Personnel must have experience in constructing a plot combine as described in the specifications.

8.0 Security Requirements: NA

9.0 Data Rights: NA

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards: NA