Fabrication and Performance Test of an Ultraportable … · Fabrication and Performance Test of an Ultraportable Crop Cutter ... With reference to literature available ... In case

IJRSET Volume 2, Issue 2 Pages: 13-25

Fabrication and Performance Test of an Ultraportable Crop CutterG.MARUTHI PRASAD YADAV1, G.MD.JAVEED BASHA2,

P VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY 3, P HARSHAVARDHAN REDDY 4, P PRASHANTH REDDY 5,R S NARESH KUMAR6, S PRITHVI KRISHNA7

1Assoc.Professor, ME Dept., St.Johns College of Engineering and Technology, JNTUA, India,[email protected]

2Asst.Professor, ME Dept., St.Johns College of Engineering and Technology, JNTUA,India,[email protected]

3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Mechanical Engineering, St.Johns College of Engineering and Technology, JNTUA,

ABSTRACT

Today, Agriculture especially in Indianeed to concentrate in some aspects such ashow to increase the productivity and profit,how to reduce the cost and how to solve theproblem comes from workers. To overcomethese, a new motorized cutter is fabricatedspecially for cutting various crop varietiesduring the time of harvesting and named as anULTRAPORTABLE CROP CUTTER. Itcomprises three criterions such as “easy tofabricate, low cost and lightweight”. With thisUltraportable Crop Cutter, the entire problemcan be solved easily. There are someprocedures involved in fabricating this devicesuch as fabricating the prototype usingsuitable material and test the functioning ofthis machine. So the objectives are to fabricateand test the performance of the prototype of amotorized crop cutter for harvesting the crop.

KeywordsProductivity, Crop Cutter, Fabricate,

Harvesting, Clutch

1. I NTRODUCTIONAgriculture is the art and science of

crop and livestock production. In its broadestsense, agriculture comprises the entire range

of technologies associated with the productionof useful products from plants and animals,including soil cultivation, crop and livestockmanagement, and the activities of processingand marketing. Many different factorsinfluence the kind of agriculture practiced in aparticular area. Among these are climate, soil,and water availability, topography, nearness tomarkets, transportation facilities, land costs,and general economic level. The primaryagricultural products consist of crop plants forhuman food and animal feed and livestockproducts.1.1 Problem Statement

In India especially southern part of thecountry where agriculture becomes the newfocus which can give many advantages andbenefits especially to our economy, politicsand social. Paddy and Wheat is one of the newtargets in agriculture where still not muchresearchers and manufactures participate inthis field. From that there are some problemsarise such as how to maximizing the profit,how to increase productivity and how toreduce the cost. One of the important activitiesin Paddy and Wheat is harvesting. Thisharvesting operation requires 50% of theinvestment on the particular crop goes toharvesting the crop and its transportation dueto increased in wages of the labor and reduce


in availability of labor leading to the highdemand of the labor. So the ideas to reducethe dependent on workers in this harvesting,this project comes to solve all this problemswhere the new invention for machinery inharvesting which able to reduce the workers.

By using the tools like machinery, thedependent on the worker can be reduce,productivity can be increase, the cost can bereduce and the profit can be increase. Fromthat, the main objective for this project is todesign and fabricate the prototype of amotorized cutter to harvest crop forcommercial used can achieve.1.2 ObjectivesI. Make the review about other researchand study relevance to the title.ii. Design the prototype of motorizedcutter for a harvesting crop using some criteriasuch as low cost.Material Selectioniii. Select suitable material, componentsand parts for this new invention.iv. Fabricate the prototype of motorizedcutter for a harvesting palm fruit usingsuitable process and concept. v. Preparing areport for the project.1.3 Significance of studyThis study is to design and fabricatemachinery which can reduce dependent toworkers which give much effect to ourcountry in maximizing the profits to thefarmers. To design and fabricate this machine,there are several criterion are selected such aseasy to fabricate, low cost in long term, andcan harvest high and with easy to use.

2. LITERATURE REVIEWCrop cutting machine is an essential

tool for the maintenance of yards. They varyin size, mode of operation, and power. Thepower source riding mowers for example areusually powered by a gasoline engine and areridden and steered by the operator. Walkbehind mowers are designed to be pushed bythe operator and typically run on gasoline or

electricity. Modern gas powered and electricpowered lawn mowers cut grass with a singleblade revolving at a high speed parallel to theground. The blade is slightly raised along itsrear edge to create draft that lifts the cuttingblades before its cutting operation. Mulchingmowers suspends clippings and other debrisnear the blade shredding them before blowingthem straight down in the lawn where theyserve as manure for future lawn growth.

Koori, (2010) designed a locallyoperated engine powered lawn mower. Themower is fitted with horizontal cutting bladeattached to a vertical shaft. The mower wastested and the average effective field capacityand efficiency were 0.127 ha/hr and88.4%respectively. Jeremy, (2005) designedand fabricated solar charged lawn mower. Themachine was dependent on weather since thebattery would be charged using photovoltaicpanel (i.e. solar panel). The commondisadvantage was that the engine runs downeasily and the cost of production was high foran average individual to purchase.

Rotary movers were not developeduntil engines were small enough and powerfulenough to run the blades at a high speed.Many people experimented with rotary bladesin the late 1920s and early 1930s, and PowerSpecialties Ltd. introduced a gasoline-powered rotary mover. The story of oneexperiment in the design of rotary movingequipment is that of C Stacy, a farmer in theMidwest region of the United States. Hisconcept was the use of a toothed circular sawblade mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft,which would be suspended at a height ofapproximately 2 inches (50 mm) and movedacross a lawn to cut grass and other lawnvegetation at a uniform height. The power forhis experimental mower was an electric motor.

The success of Stacy's design waslimited by two factors: the relatively smalldiameter of the saw blades he used for his


experiments, which were about 8 inches (200mm); and the fact that toothed circular sawblades are not an ideal tool for cutting free-standing grass and other plants. Stacy did notcome up with any idea for a cutter similar tomodern rotary mower straight blades, andsoon dropped his experiments with rotarymowing.

The string trimmer was invented in theearly 1970s by GeorgeBallads of Houston, Texas, who conceived theidea while watching the revolving action ofthe cleaning brushes in an automatic car wash.His first trimmer was made by attachingpieces of heavy-duty fishing line to a popcorncan bolted to an edger. Ballads developed thisinto what he called the "Weed Eater", since itchewed up the grass and weeds around trees.

Victor and Vern’s, (2003) designedand developed a power operated rotaryweedier for wet land paddy. The complexnature of the machine makes its maintenanceand operation difficult for the peasant farmers.Generally, in areas like ours, the conventionalmethods of grass cutting involved the use ofcutlasses whichever met the maximumsatisfaction. More so, it is strenuous, time andlabor intensive.

In world the usage of agricultureequipment is increasing. In the usage ofagricultureEquipment’s, India contributes only 10% asConducted survey in year2012.two types ofharvesting methods generally available inIndia are 1.Manual method2. Mechanized typeof harvesting In Manual Harvesting to cut oneacre of crop 15-16 labors are required theytake 3 days to cut one acre and involvesharvesting of 60-70 tons per acre with laborsbeing paid 500-550 Rupees per ton of harvesthence total cost of harvesting per acre comesup to 30,000-35,000 Rupees. In mechanizationnow by using large scale harvesting machinetakes about 6-7 hours for harvesting one acreaveraging about 60-70tons with labor costingaround 3,500-4,000Rupees per hour hence the

total cost of harvesting per acre comes up to20,000-25,000 Rupees.

With reference to literature availablethere are many types of lawn mowers, bushcutters and lawn tractors are exist in themarket, which may not fulfill the capital andoperational cost criteria. The mainconcentration of our design is the cost andoperational ease

In case small form units it is veryexpansive, so we decide to develop the newharvesting machine to reduce the cost ofharvesting. We start research on the harvestingmethods and machines. In the development ofultraportable crop cutter we utilize the pastdata and techniques.Therefore, there is the need to develop alocally, fabricated Ultra Portable CropCutter which can take care of this operationeasily.3. OVERVIEW OF MACHINE3.1. Parts of a machine and itsspecifications Power headIncludes the Engine, Clutch, Fuel System,Ignition System and Recoil Starter.

Engine ParametersEngine Type: Two stroke air cooled engine.Power: 1.2 kWDisplacement: 43ccMax crank speed: 7000-7500 rpmClutch Type: Centrifugal.Ignition system: CDI, coil starter.Fuel system: Carburetor feed fuel (petrol)system. Grip

Rear (right hand) handle made up ofrubber. Throttle trigger lockouts

This lever must be held duringstarting. Operation of the throttle trigger isprevented unless throttle trigger lockoutlever is engaged. Stop switch

"SLIDE SWITCH" mounted on topof the Throttle Trigger Housing. Move


switch FORWARD to RUN, BACK toSTOP. Front handle

The Front (loop) handle is looselyassembled to the Drive Shaft assembly andmust be positioned for proper cuttingattitude and operator comfort. Drive shaft assembly

Includes the Rear (right hand)Handle assembly, Gear Housing assembly,Front (loop, left hand) Handle assembly,steel drive shaft and Safety Decal. Nylon cutter head

Contains replaceable nylontrimming line that advances when thetrimmer head is tapped against the groundwhile the head is turning at normaloperating speed. Cut-off knife

Automatically trims line to thecorrect length: 5" after head is tapped on theground. If trimmer is operated without acut-off knife, the line will become too long,the engine will overheat, and enginedamage may occur. Plastic debris shield assembly

Included in plastic bag (co-pack).MUST be installed on unit before use, seeAssembly Instructions. Shield assemblyincludes the Cut-Off Knife. Mounts on theGear Housing Assembly just above thecutting attachment. Helps protect theoperator by deflecting debris producedduring the trimming operation. This shieldmust be replaced with the steel shield forblade use. Throttle trigger

Spring loaded to return to idle whenreleased. During acceleration, press triggergradually for best operating technique. Spark plug

Provides spark to ignite fuelmixture. Arm rest

Provides armrest during operationand protects arm from the hot engine. Recoil starter handle

Pull handle slowly until starterengages, then quickly and firmly. Whenengine starts, return handle slowly. DONOT let handle snap back or damage to unitwill occur. Spark arrestor muffler or Spark

arrestor muffler with catalystThe muffler or catalytic muffler

controls exhaust noise and emission. Thespark arrestor screen prevents hot, glowingparticles of carbon from leaving the muffler.Keep exhaust area clear of flammabledebris. Fuel tank

Contains fuel and fuel filter. Fuel tank cap

Covers and seals fuel tank opening. Choke

The choke control is located on thetop of the air filter case. Move choke leverto "Cold Start” to close choke for cold start.Move choke lever to "Run” position to openchoke. Air cleaner

Contains replaceable filter element. Purge bulb

Pumping purge bulb before startingengine draws fresh fuel from the fuel tank,purging air from the carburetor. Pumppurge bulb until fuel is visible and flowsfreely in the clear fuel tank return line.Pump purge bulb an additional 4 or 5 times.The objective of the study is to design anddevelop a locally fabricated engine poweredUltra Portable Crop Cutter.


-

Figure: Nylon cutting thread arrangement

Figure: Clutch

Figure: Purge Bulb3.2 Specifications

Cubic capacity: 43 ccPower rating according to ISO 8893:1.2 kWRated speed: 7,000 rpmIdle speed: 3,000 rpmEngaging speed: 4,100 rpmCarburetor (diaphragm carburetor):WALBRO WYLIgnition system: CDI, Coil starterSpark plug: NGK-CMR 6AElectrode gap: 0.7-0.8 mmFuel consumption according to ISO 8893:0.458 kg/hSpecific consumption according to ISO8893: 426 g/kWhCapacity of the fuel tank: 1 literFuel: Regular gasoline


Engine oil: SAE 10W-30Classification API SF or higherTransmission ratio: 1.37Dimensions, length x width x height(Without cutting tool): 1760 x 600 x 405mmWeight (without cutter guard, cutting tool,fuel):MS-352 U 7.4 kg,MS-352 C 6.6 kg3.2. About power unit

The power unit of the brush cutter,power unit consists of the Engine, Clutch,Fuel system, Ignition system with recoilstart, Exhaust system (muffler).

3.3 Types of cutters

There are various designs of tools andequipment used for harvesting the crops andthreshing it separately. Sickles, hand toolsand reapers for grain crops and diggers fortuber crops and rhizomes, operated withdifferent power sources are used. Combineharvesters, both tractor mounted and self-propelled, are being very widely used fordifferent grain crops. Functionalrequirements and principles of working oftools and equipment for harvesting andthreshing.

Harvesting Tools and Equipment

Crops are harvested after nominalmaturity with the objective to take out grain,

straw, tubers etc. without much loss. Itinvolves cutting / digging / picking, laying,gathering, curing, transport and stacking ofthe crop.

In case of cereals like wheat andpaddy the plants are straight and smooth andears containing grains are at the top whereasmost of oilseed and pulse crops havebranches, which create problems' inharvesting by manual or mechanical means.As per Bureau of Indian Standards thecutting and conveying losses should not bemore than 2 percent.

Traditional method of harvesting

The harvesting of crops istraditionally done by manual methods.Harvesting of major cereals, pulse andoilseed crops are done by using sicklewhereas tuber crops are harvested bycountry plough or spade. All thesetraditional methods involve drudgery andconsume long time.

Mechanical harvesting equipment

Timeliness of harvest is of primeimportance. During harvesting season, oftenrains and stones occur causing considerabledamage to standing crops. Rapid harvestfacilitates extra days for land preparationand earlier planting of the next crop. The useof machines can help to harvest at properstage of crop maturity and reduce drudgeryand operation time. Considering these,improved harvesting tools, equipment,combines are being accepted by the farmers.

Different type of mechanical harvestingtools / equipment, suitability for cropsand their limitations

(a) Serrated blade sickleIt has a serrated curved blade and a

wooden handle. The handle of improvedsickle has a bend at the rear for better grip


and to avoid hand injury during operation.Serrated blade sickles cut the crop byprinciple of friction cutting like in sawblade. The crop is held in one hand and thesickle is pulled along an arc for cutting.Cutting of crop close to the ground ispossible with modified handle. Energyrequirement is 80-110 man-h/ha. It can beused effectively for harvesting of wheat, riceand grasses.

(b) ReapersReapers are used for harvesting of

crops mostly at ground level. It consists ofcrop-row divider, cutter bar assembly,feeding and conveying devices. Reapers areclassified on the basis of conveying of cropsas given below:

Vertical conveying reaper windrower

It consists of crop row divider, starwheel, cutter bar, and a pair of luggedcanvas conveyor belts. This type ofmachines cut the crops and conveysvertically to one end and windrows the cropson the ground uniformly. Collection of cropfor making bundles is easy and it is donemanually. Self-propelled walking type, self-propelled riding type and tractor mountedtype reaper-windrowers is available. Thesetypes of reapers are suitable for crops likewheat and rice. The field capacities of thesemachines vary from 0.20-0.40 ha/h.

Horizontal conveying reapers

This type of reapers is provided withcrop dividers at the end, crop gathering reel,cutter bar and horizontal conveyor belt.They cut the crop, convey the crophorizontally to one end and drop it to theground in head-tail fashion. Collection ofcrop for making bundles is difficult. Thistype of reapers tractor mounted and suitablefor wheat, rice, soybean, and gram.Performance of reapers with narrow-pitch

cutter bar is better for soybean and gramcrops

Bunch conveying reapers

This type of reapers are similar tohorizontal conveying reapers except that thecut crop is collected on a platform and isbeing released occasionally to the ground inthe form of a bunch by actuating a handlever. Here, collection of crops for makingbundles is difficult. Bullock drawn andtractor-operated models are available andthey are suitable for harvesting wheat, riceand soybean crop it. Reaper binders thecutting unit of this type of reapers may bedisc type or cutter bar type. After cutting,the crop is conveyed vertically to thebinding mechanism and released to theground in the form of bundles. Self-propelled walking type models are availablebut these are not popular due to high cost oftwine. Reaper binders are suitable for riceand wheat.

(c) StrippersThe design of a tractor front mounted

stripper is available for collection ofmatured grass seeds from the seed crops. Itconsists of a reel having helical rubber batswhich beat the grass over a sweepingsurface where the ripened seeds get detachedand the seeds are collected in the seed box.

(d) DiggersThe design of groundnut and potato

diggers of animal drawn and tractor operatedtypes are available. The digging unitsconsist of V -shaped or straight blade and1ifter rods are attached behind the share.These lifter rods are spaced to allow theclods and residual material to drop whileoperating the implement. The plant alongwith pods/tubers is collected manually.

(e) CombinesVarious designs of combine

harvester having 2 to 6 m long cutter bar are


commercially available. Therefore, noresearch effort has been initiated under theProject up till now. However, the need of asmall whole crop combine harvester is felt.The function of a combine harvester is tocut, thresh, winnow and clean grain/seed. Itconsists of header unit, threshing unit,separation unit, cleaning unit and graincollection unit. The function of the header isto cut and gather the crop and deliver it tothe threshing cylinder. The reel pushes thestraw back on to the platform while thecutter bar cuts it. The crops are threshedbetween cylinder and concave due to impactand rubbing action. The threshed material isshaken and tossed back by the straw rack sothat the grain moves and falls through theopenings in the rack onto the cleaning shoewhile the straw is discharged at the rear. Thecleaning mechanism consists of two sievesand a fan. The grain is conveyed with aconveyor and collected in a grain tank.

Figure 13: Cutters, Cutting heads4. DESIGN AND CALCULATION1. DIAMETER OF CLUTCHDie of clutch=75 mm2. DIAMETER OF DRUMDie of drum= 85 mm3. WHOLE DIAMETER OF SHAFTDie of hole= d = 25 mm4. NO OF ARM IN A CLUTCHn=35. ANGLE OF HOLE FROM CENTER OFSHAFTө=37°6. WIDTH OF SLOT IN A CLUTCHW (cut) =2.15 mmCentrifugal force on clutchOf = M×Rdrum×ω²=0.076×0.0425× (293.21) ² = 277.7 NNormal force on clutchF= Δ + ( − ) × / ( × –

)K= γ kǿ

= 0.85 ×2.62(2× 105×4.32×10−94.5 ×103 )E= Modulus of elasticity= 0.4325= Polar Moment of Inertia

kǿ= Stiffness coefficient= ℎ3/12


=0.0448× (105× 0.001 )3/12b= length of arm= 4.32 × 10−9h= width of arm=0.4325 0.157 +(0.01685 −0.028)(277.7)(−0.0448) 1.28= 53.77 NTorque transmitted by a clutchT=F×μ×Rdrum×n=53.77×0.28×0.0425×3

= 2 N.m

Transmitted torque =1.011 Nm

Mass of shoe = 0.00498 Kg

Centrifugal force =118.54Nm

Spring force = 66.78Nm

4.1. Shaft

1. Material SelectionMany shafts are made from low

carbon, cold drawn or hot-rolled steel Alloysteel: Nickel, chromium and vanadium aresome of the common alloying materials.However ,alloysteel is expensive. Shaftsusually don’t need to be surface hardenedunless they serve as the actual journal of abearing surface. Hardening of surface(wearresistant):case hardening and carburizing,cyaniding and nitrating.

2. Geometric layoutThe best approach is to learn from

similar problems that have been solved andcombining the best to solve your ownproblem. A general layout to accommodateshaft elements e.g. gears, bearings, andpulleys, must be specified early in the designprocess. Shoulders are used for axiallylocating shaft elements and to carry anythrust loads, Common torque transferelements: Keys, setscrews, pins press orshrinks fits, tapered fits. Small pinions areoften machined onto shafts. Sequence ofassembly should be thought. Use chamfersto ease assembly and avoid interferences.

Consider stress risers due to grooves andsharp steps in shafts.

1. Stress and strength: static and fatigue2. Deflection and rigidity:

Bending deflection, tensional twisting,slope at bearings and shear deflection due totransverse loading on shaft.

3. Vibration: critical speed.

Figure: Power Train5. FABRICATION

Fabrication is the process of making themachine or structure by using the variousmachining methods and fabricationtechniques. The machining methods we usedfor the fabrication of the brush cutter are.

5.1 Mechanical operations

Turning

Turning is the removal of metal fromthe outer diameter of a rotating cylindricalwork piece. Turning is used to reduce thediameter of the work piece, usually to aspecified dimension, and to produce asmooth finish on the metal. Often the workpiece will be turned so that adjacent sectionshave different diameters

Milling

It is one of the most commonly usedprocesses in industry and machine shopstoday for machining parts to precise sizesand shapes. Milling can be done with a wide


range of machine tools. The original class ofmachine tools for milling was the millingmachine (often called a mill).Grinding

A grinding machine, often shortenedto grinder, is any of various powertools or machine tools used for grinding,which is a type of machining usingan abrasive wheel as the cutting tool. Eachgrain of abrasive on the wheel's surface cutsa small chip from the work piece via sheardeformation. Grinding is used to finish workpieces that must show high surface quality(e.g., low surface roughness) andhigh accuracy of shape and dimension. Asthe accuracy in dimensions in grinding is onthe order of 0.000025 mm, in mostapplications it tends to be a finishingoperation and removes comparatively littlemetal, about 0.25 to 0.50 mm depth.However, there are some roughingapplications in which grinding removes highvolumes of metal quite rapidly.

Slotting

A machine tool with a verticallyreciprocating planing tool used for making amortise or shaping the sides of an aperture.Drilling is machining method is used toproduce the circular holes in the machiningcomponent , to produce the holes in jobsvarious drill bits are used.

5.2. Fabrication techniques

Welding

Welding isa fabrication or sculptural process that joinsmaterials, usually metals or thermoplastics,bycausing coalescence. This is often done(the weld pool) that cools to become a strongjoint, with pressure sometimes used inconjunction with heat, or by itself, to producethe weld. This is in contrast with soldering and

brazing, which involve melting a lower-melting-point material between the work pieces to forma bond between them, without melting thework pieces.

Nut & bolt joint

Fasteners can also be used to close acontainer such as a bag, a box, or anenvelope; or they may involve keepingtogether the sides of an opening of flexiblematerial, attaching a lid to a container, etc.There are also special-purpose closingdevices, e.g. a bread clip. Fasteners used inthese manners are often temporary, in thatthey may be fastened and unfastenedrepeatedly.

5.3. Shaft machining

For the drive shaft we choose the EN8(medium carbon steel) material, it iseconomical and having the required strengthfor the equipment. EN8 is usually supplieduntreated but can be supplied to order in thenormalized or finally heat treated (quenchedand tempered to "Q" or "R" properties forlimiting ruling sections up to 63mm), whichis adequate for a wide range ofapplications. Please refer to our selectionguide for comparisons. EN8 is a verypopular grade of through-hardening mediumcarbon steel, which is readily machinable inany condition. (Refer to our machinabilityguide). EN8 is suitable for the manufactureof parts such as general-purpose axles andshafts, gears, bolts and studs. It can befurther surface-hardened typically to 50-55HRC by induction processes, producingcomponents with enhanced wearresistance. For such applications the useof EN8D (080A42) is advisable. It is alsoavailable in a free-machiningversion, EN8M (212A42) .EN8 in its heattreated forms possesses good homogenousmetallurgical structures, giving consistentmachining properties. Good heat treatment


results on sections larger than 63mm maystill be achievable, but it should be notedthat a fall-off in mechanical propertieswould be apparent approaching the centre ofthe bar.

6. TESTING AND RESULTS

After fabrication of machine we didexperimental analysis, we conduct the fourmajor tests they are

1. Grass cutting test

2. Testing of cane cutting

3. Testing of rice cutting

6.1 Test results on Grass Cutting

6.2 Test results on Cane CuttingThis design was tested against standardmanual cutting on a farm. Tests wereperformed cutting a 10 m long sugarcanerow. With each test,

(1) The time taken to cut the row,

(2) The amount of cane left behind (buttheight) and

(3) The stalk damage at the impact zonewere recorded.

Stalk damage was subjectively assessedusing a damage classification developed.This classification scores a zero for a veryclean cut and an eight for an extensivelydamaged stalk. Each test was repeated atleast eight times, allowing for the

calculation of means and standarddeviations. It should also be noted thatmanual cane cutting was performed byinexperienced persons, and improvedperformances may be expected amongexperienced labourers. The brush-cutter wasfound to be easy to use, even with noprevious experience in cane cutting, andalthough not tested, it is believed that itcould be used on steep slopes. Varioussafety measures, such as protective clothing,glasses, ear covers and a blade cover wererequired to safeguard the brush-cutteroperator. The brush-cutter weighs 15 kgcompared with 0.8 kg for a standard caneknife. The brush-cutter, however, issupported by a waist harness, which easesmovement and reduces ergonomic stresses.

6.3. Test results for the RiceHarvesting

The performance test for the rice harvestermachine was conducted at an average speedof 9.07-10.95 m/minute. With a theoreticalwork width of 75-100 cm (3-4 lines), atheoretical work capacity of 18.54-26.3hours/ha was obtained. The fuelconsumption of the machine was in therange of 0.60-0.86 l/ha. Under a dry ricefield, a high cutting efficiency (99%) wasobtained, whereas under a wet rice fieldcondition, its cutting efficiency was only 82-85%. The field test results for a lawn mowerthat has been modified into a maizeharvesting machine showed that the workingcapacity of the harvest was not significantlydifferent from the land preparationmachinery or from three row capacity of areaper (18-19 hours/ha), with working ofefficiency >95% and fuel consumption of0.8-0.9 l/hour. In this modification, a largerbelt with a more ergonomic constructionwas added, so operators did not feel weary(tired) despite working more than 0.5 hourscontinuously.

S.No.TrimmingArea (m²)

Rate of fuelconsumption (lit/hr)Nylonthread

Metalliccutter

1 3*3 0.50376 0.64982 1.5*3 0.50364 0.67923 2.7*3 0.4929 0.58384 1.8*3 0.47652 0.6222


This was in contrast to the originalmachine design, which used a smaller belt,hence it was less comfortable to wear.

Various values obtained while testing themachine in farm

CONCLUSIONFrom this work the following

conclusions were drawn For the work to beaccomplished in 1acer area without amachine (crop cutter) or manually, it costsRs:4200/- by a minimum of Rs:350/- pereach labour in a day. Whereas , by using anultraportable crop cutter wee can accomplishthe same work in the same area (1acer) withonly one labour (skilled labour), it takes 5-6hours at a cost of only Rs:650/- (i.e., fuelcost Rs:300/- & labour cost 350/-). So byusing an ultraportable crop cutter we canreduce the cost up to 80% . The performancethrough manual cutting cannot be. The samethrough out the day, as man get strained,whereas a machine cannotTherefore , 80% of the time can also besaved by using the Ultraportable crop cutter.It is concluded that the device is mostecconomical.

REFERENCES1. Anonymous, (2003). Indian Agriculture.Ministry of Agriculture, India: 180-182.Bisht, D.S., S.K. Dasdupta and P.M. Menon(2006). Agricultural Research stationDevelopment and Management, ICRISAT.156-157.

2. Chancellor, W.J. (1958). Energyrequirement for cutting forage. AgriculturalEngineering. 30(10): 633-636.3. Prasad, J. and C.P. Gupta (1975).Mechanical properties of maize stalk asrelated stalk in relation to harvesting.Journal of Agril. Engg. Research. (20):79-87. Ster M.M. 2006. Wood CuttingTheory.India,Press.4. CIAE 2008. Central Institute ofAgriculture Engineering& Research,Library, Bhopal. Jain R.K. 2008.ProductionTechnology, Khanna publishers.5. Khanna O.P. 2007. A Textbook ofProduction Technology, Vol. 2, Dhanpat RaiPublication. India.

S.No.TrimmingArea (m²)

Rate of fuelconsumption (lit/hr)Nylonthread

Metalliccutter

1 10*1 0.6295 0.605

2 15*1 0.6498 0.595

3 20*1 0.6078 0.613

4 18*1 0.6295 0.605

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Fabrication and Performance Test of an Ultraportable … · Fabrication and Performance Test of an Ultraportable Crop Cutter ... With reference to literature available ... In case