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Battery-assisted Offset Rotary Cutter for Leafy Green Spinach and Coriander

By S. P. Singh, Mukesh K. Singh and Utpal Ekka | 31-12-2020 | Page: 187-192

Abstract

Spinach and coriander are the most common vegetable items for kitchen in India. Traditional method (using sickle or knife in sitting or squatting posture) of its cutting is prevalent in the country. In this practice, cut crops are gathered by hand and kept in loose or in bundle. Multiple times (4-6 times/ season) harvesting of these crops increases harvesting cost including time and labour. The traditional method of cutting develops strains to the workers due to the static uncomfortable posture. Since mechanization in this area is very limited or scarce, therefore, a walk behind offset rotary cutter has been developed to cut and lay the cut crop in windrow. It consists of frame, 250W geared DC motor, two 12V-12Ah batteries, power transmission, cutting unit and handle. A worker with the developed cutter provided output of 145 m2/h for green spinach and 153 m2/h coriander. The leftover leaves rate after manual and machine cut per m2 area was 0.35 and 1.4% respectively. Time taken in collection of cut crop by the developed cutter and making bundle manually was incorporated in getting overall output with this system was found 2.56 times more than traditional system of harvesting the crops. This equipment provides powered mechanical aid in cutting operation to avoid squatting or sitting or changing posture while performing this activity which further helped in reducing drudgery of farm worker with increased output.

Keywords

Offset rotary cutter, green leafy vegetables, gender-friendly, walk-behind, electric power

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