TECHNOLOGY FOR MANUFACTURING LIGHTWEIGHT SPINDLES OF COTTON-PICKING MACHINES

Abstract

Nowadays, a wide variety of cotton harvesting machines are manufactured in different countries to collect the
cotton crop. Among them, vertical spindle cotton harvesters occupy a unique position in the development of
the cotton industry and harvesting machinery, despite their slightly lower harvesting efficiency compared to
some other types. Throughout their evolutionary development, vertical spindle cotton harvesters have undergone
numerous structural and technological modifications. However, the main working element—the
spindle system—still presents significant challenges. Extensive experimental studies have been conducted
by numerous researchers to improve spindle performance. Although several spindle designs have been proposed,
none have yet fully resolved all existing issues. One of the most pressing problems is the relatively
heavy mass of the spindle, which places excessive mechanical load on the driving mechanisms. As a result,
these mechanisms often suffer from reduced operational reliability and tend to fail prematurely, before the
end of their intended service life. This article presents a step-by-step analysis of the design and production
technology of a lightweight spindle structure developed in accordance with modern engineering requirements.
The proposed technological solution aims to enhance the overall efficiency of vertical spindle systems,
improve operational performance, and extend the service life of the cotton harvester’s core components.