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Problem Set, Assignment, and Solutions
Prototype Bale Trailer and Tongue Finite Element Analysis
TSM 416 Technology Capstone Projects
  • Kirk Atwater, Iowa State University
  • Weston Connor, Iowa State University
  • Dillon Gaul, Iowa State University
  • Colin Vagts, Iowa State University
  • Joseph R. Vanstrom, Iowa State University
  • Jacek A. Koziel, Iowa State University
Publication Date
4-28-2017
Course Number and Title
TSM 416: Technology Capstone
Department
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Major
Agricultural Systems Technology (Atwater, Connor, Gaul); Industrial Technology (Gaul, Vagts)
Instructors
Joseph R. Vanstrom and Jacek A. Koziel
Problem Statement

Our Client is an independent inventor located in western Iowa. The problem at hand was that our client farms on very uneven ground and have problems when loading round bales. The problem with round bales and hills is that they are prone to roll away. During the baling process, the operator tries to place bales at an angle to prevent rollaway bales. Our client has created a self-loading bale trailer that can be pulled by either a tractor or a pickup truck. The goal was to eliminate the need for a loader in the field and be able to pick up bales on the move. The trailer must pick up and haul seven bales safe and efficiently. Another feature of this trailer is when picking up corn stalk/ hay bales, the operator can drive with the rows to reduce stress on equipment.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/tsm416-180814-3
Citation Information
Kirk Atwater, Weston Connor, Dillon Gaul, Colin Vagts, Joseph R. Vanstrom and Jacek A. Koziel. Prototype Bale Trailer and Tongue Finite Element Analysis. Final Report. TSM 416 Technology Capstone Project, April 28, 2017.