Factors influencing industry harvest-transport performance

Features of a harvest-transport model developed to predict throughput and costs for particular field conditions are described. The model was used to demonstrate the impact of factors such as crop size, row length, headland width, haulout size, haulout number, haul distance and transporter speed on daily throughput and overall costs of harvest-transport operations. The model was used to estimate differences in throughput and costs in burnt and green cane, and to show the cost/benefits from correct matching of group size and harvest-transport capacity. Model predictions were validated using logbook and financial data collected from contractors in the Mackay, Burdekin, Ingham and Tully areas.