Performance Evaluation of A Modified Offset Rotavator in Mango Orchard

Abstract

Rotary tillage implements are now projected as important tillage machinery for better seedbed preparation; however the ordinary rotavator being in line with the tractor center line at the rear cannot be used in orchards due to the hindrance posed by narrow space between the plants. Therefore, the concept of a modified offset rotavator was proposed, which could perform intercultural operation between the plants. The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the modified offset rotavator in mango orchard of Horticulture Research Center, Pantnagar. It was found that the draft (negative) for the L-shaped blades increased (1086.8 to 1651.3 N) as the forward speed increased (2.0 to 3.0 km/h) with Increase in depth of cut (80 to 120 mm) for the shield kept in the lowered (down) position and fuel consumption was higher 9.40 l/h at given forward speed 3.0 km/h with 120 mm depth of cut. Soil break up (mean mass diameter) resulting from the Impact action of L-shaped blades on soil was found increased (1.21 to 2.20) as the forward speed increased (2.0 to 3.0 km/h). The extent of residue incorporation was the maximum 96.68% at forward speed 2.0 km/h with 120 mm depth of cut, whereas at higher forward speed 3.0 km/h, field performance index was observed 89.54%. The minimum area uncovered near the girth was reported at higher girth while plant injury resulted from impact of sensing assembly with 83.3% in form of scratches on the plant girth.

Rotacioni priključci za obradu zemljišta su važne mašine za pripremu setvene posteljice. Uobičajeni zadnji rotavator u liniji sa centralnom osom traktora ne može da se koristi u voćnjacima zbog rastojanje stabala u redu. Zato je ponuđeno rešenje modifikovanog rotavatora za obradu prostora u redu. Istraživanje je izvedeno radi ocene performansi ovog modifikovanog rešenja. Utvrđeno je da se otpor kod L noževa povećao (od 1086.8 na 1651.3 N) sa povećanjem radne brzine (od 2.0 na 3.0 km/h) i povećanjem dubine (od 80 na 120 mm) sa spuštenim štittom i i povećanom potrošnjom goriva od 9.40 l/h pri brzini od 3.0 km/h.