Development and Stability Analysis of a Self-propelled High Clearance Multi-utility Vehicle

Abstract

A self-propelled hydraulically actuated vehicle was developed for field crops of up to 2.0 m in height to carry out different operations like spraying, weeding, harvesting. The vehicle has provision for variable/adjustable ground clearance and track width to suit different spacing and heights of horticultural crops. Gradability, torque, and power required for the vehicle were calculated based on the dimensions of the selected bias ply traction tyre. The centre of gravity of the vehicle was calculated by the weight moment method. Microsoft Excel add-in was used to create a point manipulation programme, and the positions of the standard components were determined through an iterative process. The static load over the rear wheel and front wheel was kept at 60% and 40%, respectively, for design purposes. Analysis of chassis mechanics was done to find out weight transfer and impending stability on level ground as well as longitudinal and lateral slope. In longitudinal slope, the developed vehicle was found to be stable up to 45.19° and 20.68° under static and dynamic conditions, respectively; whereas in lateral slope, the vehicle was stable up to 39.08° and 22.10° under static and dynamic conditions, respectively. The developed vehicle was tested for weeding and spraying of okra and maize crops with an average height of 1.1 m to 1.5 m. The field capacity for the spraying and weeding operations was 1.9 ha.h-1 and 0.16 ha.h-1, respectively. The cost of operation for spraying and weeding was 400 ?.ha-1 and 1,500 ?.ha-1, respectively. Weeding efficiency and plant damage of the weeder were 92.58% and 1.55%, respectively.