A combined seedling extraction device was developed that operates by first top loosening and then clamping the stem in order to solve the current issues with automated transplanting technology, such as low seedling extraction efficiency and a high rate of substrate loss. The pepper plug tray seedlings were selected as the experimental subjects for testing the mechanical properties of the stems. The tensile and compressive mechanical properties of the stems were obtained, and the kinematic model of the seedling spacing process and the mechanical model of the seedling clamping process were established. Key parameters of the seedling extraction device were analyzed and calculated, and an automated seedling extraction system was constructed. Using substrate moisture content, seedling age, and extraction frequency as experimental factors, orthogonal tests were conducted. Through variance analysis and 3D response surface analysis, the optimal rounded parameter values were determined: 48% substrate moisture content, 38-day-old seedlings, and a seedling extraction frequency of 60 plants/min. Under these conditions, the seedling extraction success rate was 94.44%, the substrate loss rate was 6.07%, and the seedling damage rate was 4.17%, meeting the requirements for automated seedling extraction.

In response to prominent issues in existing wine grape cultivation, such as complex power machinery integration, inconvenient connection operations, and low efficiency of unilateral walking operations, a gantry track-mounted multifunctional operations platform for wine grapes was developed. The platform spans across grape trellises, enabling dual-sided operations in a single pass. Considering the high stability requirements for wine grape operations, the track walking device and hitch-lifting mechanism were developed. To accommodate the varying speed requirements of different operational stages, engine power and gearbox gear selection were calculated and selected. Structural strength analysis, steering performance analysis, and overall stability analysis of the machine were conducted. Field test results indicate a maximum operating speed of 3.85 km/h and a minimum turning radius of 3.95 m, meeting the needs of field operations. The maximum climbing angle is no more than 18°, and the machine experiences no lateral sliding or tipping when the maximum lateral tilt angle is below 28°. The hitch-lifting mechanism showed an average settlement of 1.58 mm when lifting to different heights, with a stability rate of 99.7%. This study demonstrates that the developed multifunctional operations platform can meet the field operation requirements of wine grape cultivation.

To address prominent issues in the spring soil removal process for wine grapes in northern China, such as incomplete soil clearing, vine damage, and low operational efficiency, a dual-sided soil removal machine combining scraping, rotary, and vibration functions was designed and developed. The machine primarily consists of a gantry frame, rotary soil components, scraping components, and vibrating components. Using EDEM 2020 discrete element software analysis and Design-Expert 13 orthogonal experiments, a three-factor, three-level orthogonal simulation experiment was conducted, with rotary soil component speed, scraping component angle, and vibrating component frequency as test factors and soil removal rate as the evaluation index. The optimal operating parameters were determined: rotary soil component speed at 720.6 r/min, scraping component angle at 42.4°, and vibrating component frequency at 179.1 Hz, yielding a soil removal efficiency (K value) of 83.48% and the best simulation results. A physical prototype was manufactured, and field experiments were conducted, resulting in an actual soil removal rate of 76.81%, with a deviation of 7.09% from the simulation results. The field test results were consistent with the simulation data, and the exposed vines in the field after soil removal met the operational requirements for actual production. The research outcomes of this machine provide a reference for the further development of dual-sided soil removal equipment for wine grape vines.