Experiment and parameter optimization of an automatic row following system for the traction beet combine harvester

As an important oil crop in China, peanuts require mechanized sowing to enhance production efficiency. This paper analyzes the influence of peanut seed physical characteristics on the design of seed metering devices and systematically introduces the working principles, advantages, and disadvantages of mechanical (internal cell-fill, cell-wheel, and spoon-wheel types) and pneumatic (air suction, air pressure, and air-blowing types) seed metering devices. This paper reviews the development status of peanut seed metering devices and provides examples of these devices mounted on sowing machines. It is found that European and American researchers mainly conduct research on high-speed pneumatic seed metering devices, and, though China’s peanut seed metering device development has made progress and resulted in products with different technical levels, they still fall short of international advanced products in terms of high-speed seeding capability and seeding accuracy. In the future, research should be strengthened in areas such as the in-depth development of pneumatic seed metering devices, the adaptability of mechanical seed metering devices to high-speed operation, and intelligent monitoring and control systems.