Performance evaluation of a novel power-tiller-operated oscillatory tillage implement for dry land tillage

Abstract

Ploughing is a draught intensive operation that becomes a limitation for small tillage machines like the power tiller due to lower availability of draught. Ploughing is possible using power tiller with the adoption of an implement that requires less draught like oscillatory tillage tool. In order to enable dry land tillage from a small machine, a novel power tiller-operated oscillatory tillage implement was designed and developed. The work included modification of transmission system of power tiller to provide required frequency (9–13 Hz), designing a new rotary shaft to impart oscillation and give required amplitude (15–35 mm). Prototype oscillatory tillage implement thus developed was tested in terraced land field conditions and compared with the same working in non-oscillatory mode of operation. Prototype oscillatory tillage implement having 25 cm tool width operated up to 15.3 cm depth in dry, untilled field conditions. However, the same implement operated only up to 7.4 cm depth in non-oscillatory mode of operation. The volume of soil handled per unit time, fuel consumption and tillage performance index were higher (94.88 m3 h−1, 2.70 l h−1 and 2.99, respectively) with prototype oscillatory tillage implement working at average 15.3 cm depth of operation as compared to the same implement working in non-oscillatory mode of operation.