Performance evaluation of a tractor mounted groundnut pod collecting machine

Abstract

The performance of a tractor mounted groundnut pod collector was evaluated at different levels of machine speed (1.0-1.5, 1.5-2.0 and 2.0-2.5 km/h) and sieve oscillations (200, 250 and 300 rpm) at a constant penetration depth of 10 cm. The performance of the machine was found to be better at 1.5-2.0 km/h forward speed and 250 rpm sieve oscillations, respectively, looking to minimum losses and maximum pod collection efficiency. Pod collection efficiency was found maximum (93.75%) at 1.5-2.0 km/h and 250 rpm. The theoretical field capacity of groundnut pod collector was found as 0.22 ha/h while effective field capacity was 0.18 ha/h and field efficiency was 81.81 per cent. On comparison with manual pod collection method, there was 88.42 per cent reduction in time while 48.10 per cent reduction in pod collection cost was observed.

Testing of tractor mounted groundnut pods collector and its comparison with traditional method

“…The statistical analysis has shown a significant difference among the three tractor forward speeds. These findings are in line with previous findings that maximum pod collection efficiency was 93.33% at medium forward speed [6].…”

“…In previous studies it was reported that during peak harvesting season, labour availability is limited, and hand pod picking per hectare of a particular region can take an unnecessary amount of time [6].…”

“…These must be picked manually in either a sitting or bending position, which is a time consuming process, as well as costly strategy. Therefore, a groundnut pods collection machine was developed to excavate, separate pods from soil, and collect the left out pods [6]. The picking procedures for mechanical pods collection were compared to picking techniques of manual pods collection [6].…”

“…Therefore, a groundnut pods collection machine was developed to excavate, separate pods from soil, and collect the left out pods [6]. The picking procedures for mechanical pods collection were compared to picking techniques of manual pods collection [6]. Mechanical pods collection took less time than manual pods collection.…”