Design, structural analysis and development of a walk-behind type electric cabbage harvester

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to improve small-scale cabbage harvesting, which usually depends on labour-intensive methods. To solve this issue, an electric cabbage harvester for single-row applications was designed and developed. The harvester integrates different units, such as cutting, conveying, precise cabbage pushing, propelling, power supply (lead acid batteries), storage bin, and handle. The study involved selecting appropriate driving motors, optimising transmission in each unit, and designing the power supply. Critical components, including the cutter, pusher, and propelling shafts, were designed and subjected to static and dynamic analysis using ANSYS R18.0. In the static analysis torque values of 27.52 Nm, 40.99 Nm, and 888.35 Nm were used for the cutter, pusher, and propelling shafts, respectively, with dynamic analysis assuming peak torques 1.5 times higher. Maximum equilibrium stresses in the static analysis were 14.20 MPa, 7.35 MPa, and 36.36 MPa, while the dynamic analysis recorded 22.996 MPa, 9.145 MPa, and 66.88 MPa, all below the material’s yield stress. The results confirmed the safety and reliability of these components during field operations. A 2571 × 880 × 742 mm prototype was developed, with hand vibration and noise levels measured at 2.098 m/s2 and 78 dB(A), ensuring ergonomic safety. The harvester presents a promising solution for mechanising small-scale cabbage harvesting.