Cotton Picking Machine : Types, Working & Use

 

Cotton Picking Machine

A cotton picking machine is a piece of agricultural machinery designed to automate the process of harvesting cotton. The machine uses a combination of mechanical and vacuum systems to separate the cotton from the plant, and then collects the cotton into a storage bin for transport.

There are several types of cotton picking machines available, including spindle pickers, which use rotating spindles to pull the cotton fibers from the plant, and stripper harvesters, which use rollers to strip the cotton from the bolls. Some cotton picking machines are also equipped with automatic cotton module builders, which compress the harvested cotton into large rectangular bales for transport.

Cotton picking machines have revolutionized the cotton harvesting process, making it faster and more efficient than manual harvesting. They are widely used in large-scale cotton production operations, particularly in the United States, where cotton is a major crop.

Types of Cotton Picking Machine :

There are several types of cotton picking machines that are commonly used in agriculture. Here are some of the most common types:

Spindle picker: This machine uses rotating spindles to remove the cotton fibers from the plant. The spindles rotate at high speeds and are equipped with barbs or brushes that grab the cotton and pull it from the plant. The cotton is then collected in a basket or bin.

Stripper harvester: This machine uses rollers or bars to strip the cotton from the bolls. The rollers or bars are lined with rubber or metal spikes that grab the cotton and pull it off the plant. The cotton is then collected in a basket or bin.

Cotton picker/baler combination: This machine combines the functions of a cotton picker and a baler. It picks the cotton from the plant and then compresses it into bales for transport. This type of machine is particularly useful for large-scale operations.

Cotton picker with automatic module builder: This machine picks the cotton from the plant and automatically compresses it into large rectangular bales for transport. The bales are then loaded onto trucks and transported to a cotton gin.

Each type of cotton picking machine has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific needs of the operation. Ultimately, the choice of machine will depend on factors such as the size of the operation, the type of cotton being grown, and the availability of labor.

Working of Machine :

The exact working of a cotton picking machine depends on its type and model. However, here is a general overview of how a spindle picker and a stripper harvester work:

Spindle picker: A spindle picker is equipped with a series of spindles that rotate at high speeds. As the machine moves through the cotton field, the spindles pass through the plants and grab the cotton fibers. The fibers are then pulled from the plant and collected in a basket or bin. The machine also separates the cotton from other debris, such as leaves and stems.

Stripper harvester: A stripper harvester is equipped with rollers or bars that pass over the cotton plants. The rollers or bars are lined with rubber or metal spikes that grab the cotton fibers and pull them from the bolls. The cotton is then collected in a basket or bin. The machine also separates the cotton from other debris, such as leaves and stems.

In both cases, the collected cotton is then transported to a storage bin or hopper on the machine. Some cotton picking machines are equipped with automatic cotton module builders, which compress the cotton into large rectangular bales for transport. Others may transport the cotton to a separate baling machine for processing.

Manufacturing Company :

There are several manufacturers of cotton picking machines around the world. Here are some of the most well-known companies:

John Deere: John Deere is a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, including cotton pickers. The company offers a range of cotton pickers, including spindle pickers and stripper harvesters.

Case IH: Case IH is another leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, including cotton pickers. The company offers a range of cotton pickers, including the Module Express series, which combines picking and module building in one machine.

New Holland: New Holland is a global brand of agricultural machinery, including cotton pickers. The company offers a range of cotton pickers, including the CP690 series, which uses a unique basket design to improve picking efficiency.

Lummus Corporation: Lummus Corporation is a leading manufacturer of cotton processing equipment, including cotton pickers. The company offers a range of spindle pickers and stripper harvesters.

Bajaj Steel Industries Limited: Bajaj Steel Industries Limited is an Indian company that manufactures agricultural equipment, including cotton pickers. The company offers a range of cotton pickers, including the C2C and C4C series, which are designed for use in Indian cotton fields.

These are just a few examples of the many companies that manufacture cotton picking machines. When choosing a cotton picker, it is important to consider factors such as the size and type of cotton operation, as well as the specific needs and requirements of the operation.