A transformable disc implement is proposed for use in field cultivation. It differs from its analogues in that it has central (rigidly fixed) and rotary bars with discs connected to each other by means of brackets and hinges. When the rotary bars are fixed to the longitudinal bars of the frame, it has the functionality of a classic four-row disc harrow. If the rotary bars of the frame, resting on additional wheels, are opened, then the implement, after setting the required angle of attack of the discs, will perform the function of a two-row stubble cultivator. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the rational ratio of the values of the frontal step of placement and the diameter of the disc working bodies of the transformable disc harrow from the point of view of minimizing its weight. It has been established by calculation that in the design of such a disc harrow it is preferable to use standard spherical discs with a diameter of 0.56 m, mounted on the frame bars with a step of about 0.346 m. In this case, the estimated weight of the tool with a capture width in the function of a stubble cultivator of eight meters will be about 5700 kg (without a roller). It is irrational to use discs of a larger diameter in the design of the developed tool, since the observed decrease in the required number of working bodies does not compensate for the increase in the mass of the disc themselves, leading to an increase in the mass of the tool with an intensity of about 2.1 kg per 1 mm of increase in the diameter of the discs. In the function of a four-row disc harrow, the spacing between the tracks of such a tool will be about 0.087 m, which is almost 35 % less than the average of serial analogs. On the one hand, this will lead to a proportional increase in the number of working bodies, and therefore the mass of the disc harrow, and an increase in the requirements for the strength characteristics of the frame. At the same time, it will be possible to achieve an increase in the degree of soil crumbling, a decrease in the ridged nature of its surface and a leveling of the bottom of the processed layer.
A.G. Arzhenovsky (Wed,) studied this question.