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Modification and Performance Evaluation of Self-propelled Reaper

M M Rahman
Postgraduate student

M M Hossain
Professor
DFPM, BAU, Mymensingh

A K M Saiful Islam
Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, BRRI, Gazipur

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Chinese brand self-propelled reaper named SUFALA was modified and tested for field performance and economic evaluation in harvesting wheat and rice. Petrol engine of SUFALA was replaced by 3 kW diesel engine. Power transmission system was changed. Wheel diameter was increased to raise the height of wheel axle and chain sprocket to avoid the straw twisting with sprocket. Cutting and lugbelt speed ratio was maintained at 1.5: 1. Mechanical functions of cutting and throwing were found satisfactory. The effective field capacity and field efficiency were higher for wheat harvesting than rice harvesting. Harvesting loss was found 2.81 per cent and 3.47 per cent for wheat and rice, respectively. The labour requirement for mechanical harvesting of wheat and rice were 19 man-hr/ ha and 21 man-hr/ha, respectively. The harvesting costs by reaper were Tk. 390/ ha and Tk. 405/ ha for wheat and rice, respectively. The modified self-propelled reaper has a break-even area of 3.50 ha and 7.00 ha for wheat and rice, respectively. The modified self-propelled reaper was found to be an appropriate machine for harvesting wheat and rice to reduce harvesting loss, ensure timeliness of operation, save money and reduce labour requirement.

Keywords: Self-propelled reaper, performance evaluation, Reaper

Location: Mymensingh.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity:

Objectives:

Therefore, this research work was undertaken for modification of the SUFALA reaper based on the identified problems and performance study. The objectives were to modify the reaper based on identified problems; to study field performance of the modified one and to compare manual and mechanical harvesting cost.

Methodology:

SUFALA reaper was modified in the research workshop, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The cost of operating the self-propelled reaper was computed using the following equation involving the fixed and variable cost items

D = P-S (6)

Where, D is depreciation (Tk/hr), P is
purchase price of the reaper (Tk), S is salvage value and L is the life of the reaper

Source of Information: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh Agricultural Engineering Division, Vol. 31/AE, No.1, Dee, 2004

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The modified self-propelled reaper performed well in dry and wet land condition. Mechanical function of cutting and throwing was found satisfactory. Harvesting loss was found 2.81 per cent and 3.47 per cent for wheat and rice, respectively. The effective field capacities were 0.20 ha/hr and 0.19 ha/hr for wheat and rice, respectively. Labour requirement for harvesting wheat and rice were 19 man-hr/ha and 21 man-hr/ha, respectively. Mechanical harvesting saved 82- 90 per cent labour requirement than manual harvesting. Harvesting cost was found Tk 390- 405/ha for harvesting wheat and rice. Cost of mechanical harvesting was about 115 and 113 of manual harvesting for wheat and rice, respectively. The modified reaper has a break- even area of 3.50 ha for wheat and 7.00 ha for rice. Farmers can save lot of time, money and energy by using mechanical method of harvesting hence cropping intensity can be increased by reducing the turnaround time of next crop.

Knowledge Management: Journal