Adaptability of small-sized sugarcane harvesters in Okinawa

Small-sized sugarcane harvesters (SSHs) were field-tested to evaluate their performance and adaptability with the aim of improving their operation under wet conditions caused by frequent rain during the harvesting season. SSHs performed better than larger machines in wet fields, harvesting 120 t/ha of yield and lodged sugarcane. Harvesting losses with SSHs were almost the same as those with middle-sized harvesters (MSHs) in small fields with narrow headlands. Stool damage, stools pulled out and extraneous matter in wet fields where SSHs were used were lower than those where MSHs were used. In addition, SSHs can work in the narrow row spacing, resulting in increased productivity. Overall, it was shown that SSHs were highly adaptability in the wet sugarcane fields of Okinawa.