To address the inefficient use of pruned grape branches and the high cost of orchard management, an integrated machine for collecting and crushing grape branches was developed, tailored to the distinctive viticulture methods in Xinjiang, China, and the physical properties of the branches. Based on a unified design scheme, the structural parameters of the collection mechanism and the suitable operating width were optimized through systematic theoretical analysis. The crushing unit was designed with attention to blade shape, quantity, and spatial distribution, while critical operational parameters—including blade dimensions, speed range, and key factors influencing crushing quality—were identified using kinetic analysis. A three-factor, three-level response surface experiment was designed via Design Expert software, incorporating crushing roller speed, pickup roller speed, and ground clearance of the pickup device as test variables. Pickup rate and acceptable fragment ratio were employed as evaluation indicators. Field tests showed that at a crushing roller speed of 2185 r/min, pickup roller speed of 105 r/min, and ground clearance of 10 mm, the pickup rate was 95.93% and the qualified fragmentation rate reached 97.19%, the machine met the operational requirements of achieving over 95% efficiency for both collection and crushing. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for the mechanized treatment of pruned grape branches in Xinjiang.
Lei et al. (Mon,) studied this question.