Modification and Performance Evaluation of Date Palm Leaf and Leaf-end Pruning Machine

Abstract

Modification of date palm leaf and leaf-end pruning machine was carried out according to the following aspects: Considering the conventional pruning method, Geometric dimension of the usual garden tool (sickle) or local named Acfea, Morphological form of date palm tree, Designed machine dimension. In this study, the main aims were focused on: Agronomical specifications, - machine net weight, - on farm operation, - application efficiency. To design and develop this machine, a lightweight Hydro-motor as well as proper size frame, handle, proper, hydraulic control valve and a disk-type cutting blade were used. The machine is able to pruning the leaves and leaves-end with depth of up to 10 cm. In general, two changes were considered for on farm application: as a part of date palm service machine and /or a self-operating machine. In the first phase, because of the lack of enough space for bucket of machine to reach the date palm trunk, pruning operation can be perform from a distance from 1 to 2 meter from the main tree trunk; therefore, the designed machine was equipped with a 3-meter length boom so it can be controlled from the lifting cabin. In the second phase, for the trees that are not higher than 4 meters, the machine can be used as a self-operating machine by ladder. The machine was equipped with a short and convenient handle, which will help the pruner to reach the tree trunk for pruning the leaves and leaves’ end. The prototype pruning machine was installed to the tractor MF-285 and site conditions to test and evaluate performs the machine technical and ergonomically parameters was successful. Field operation of tractor mounted leaf and leaf-end pruning machine was performed in Date Palm and Tropical Fruits Research Institute. 95% of the confidence interval of pruning leaf and leaf-end were achieved between 8 to 14 s and 10 to 19 s, respectively. The total pruning time was gained between 9.9 to 13.8 min for each tree.