In order to solve the adaptability problem of the harvester with walking operation in mountainous areas,a hydraulic drive system of mountain harvester based on load-sensitive principle was designed,and the simulation model of the drive system was built based on AMESim on the basis of the analysis of the working principle of the hydraulic drive system.The dynamic characteristics of the drive system were simulated and analyzed under variable load starting,constant speed,braking,steering and hill climbing conditions.The simulation results show that the drive circuit of the mountain harvester can realize the specified action according to the requirements of the working conditions,with strong anti-interference ability and good maneuverability.The speed of the hydraulic motor in this system depends on the size of the opening of the multiway valve and is independent of the external load,which is more conducive to speed and speed synchronization control.The results show that the designed hydraulic drive system based on the load-sensitive principle for mountain harvesters can achieve the working requirements.