Current Status and Future Trends of Orchard Self-Propelled Lift Platform

Self-propelled lift platforms are useful for undertaking common orchard management practices such as spraying, pruning and harvesting. This paper discusses the current status and future trends of self-propelled lift platforms used in a lychee orchard. The paper covers mechanical structure and electro-hydraulic control systems. Most lift platforms utilize hydraulic self-propelled chassis to perform hydraulic functions of transmission, steering, in-service braking and platform positioning. The vast majority of the lifting platforms are equipped with three or four wheels, and the multi-axis structure improves machine stability in sloped working areas. To enhance lifting platform stability and avoiding overturning probability, the axles are designed as scalable structures to ensure wheel adjustability. The electro-hydraulic control system is the core part of the self-propelled lift platform. The work platform with electro-hydraulic leveling system has high control accuracy, fast dynamic responses and smooth movements, which is suitable for most self-propelled orchard lifting platforms. The modern design methods such as virtual prototype technology and finite element analysis technology will play an important role in the engineering design practice of the lift platform. The lift platform will increasingly depend on new energy source represented with hybrid power to become more environmentally friendly. The possible use in the orchard will be improved by developing the lift platform in relatively small dimensions and light weight. To accelerate the usage of self-propelled lift platform can increase productivity, economic efficiency and reduce labor requirements.