The characteristics of stress distribution and fatigue life have been investigated in the road mower head system using FEM(Finite Element Method). There is high stress distribution around the coupling part with non-uniform load from the irregular road surface. Maximum equivalent stress especially occurs in the fixed plate and the pillar of the head device with maximum deformation at the rotation axis frame of the mower system. Fatigue life tests were also performed with SAE bracket history, SAE transmission, and sample history conditions. SAE bracket history and SAE transmission predicted the possibility of high damage while Sample history showed a stable trend. These results will be applicable in optimal design for various systems equipped with mower head system.

In this study, natural frequency characteristics of road mower head system are investigated through experiment and numerical analysis. ANSYS workbench 14.5 is used to calculate the frequency analysis in the mower system. Compared the natural frequency using the modal test and computerized analysis. When compared with the experimental results, a 5% error rate has occurred. Simulation results showed that vibration mode shape has directional characteristics, especially to the right and left. These results will be helpful in optimal design for road mower head systems.

Numerical analysis was performed to analysis the structural characteristics of the head device in the road mower system. The head device connects mower system with the boom of the special vehicle. The system with various road surface conditions is subjected to continuous vibration and repeated load. Especially, the maximum equivalent stress occurs in the pillar of the head device, and the maximum equivalent strain also occurs in the fixed plate that supports the mower system. Fatigue analysis results show that the upper end of the pillar is very vulnerable. This analysis results can be used as basic data for optimal road mower head system design.