Performance Evaluation of a Developed Potato Harvester Combined with a Tuber Collector for Tractor Attachment
Keywords:
potato harvester, Tuber Collector, Tractor Attachment, Potato Harvesting, Field Performance EvaluationAbstract
A potato harvester combined with a tuber collector for tractor attachment was evaluated. The machine's performance was tested in a 300 m² field with specific soil properties. Three speeds (2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 km/hr.) were used with a 75 hp tractor. Results showed variations in fuel consumption, operating time, field capacity, efficiency in the field, and separation index. Consumption of energy increased from 12.5 l/hr. to 13.9 l/hr. as speed increased from 2.5 km/hr. to 3.5 km/hr. Time of operation decreased from 0.175 hr. to 0.110 hr. Actual field capacity, field capacity, and field efficiency improved with increased speed, reaching 0.305 ha/hr., 0.272 ha/hr., and 89.46% at 3.5 km/hr. Statistical analysis revealed significant impacts of speed on field capacity. The optimal performance was achieved at 3.5 km/hr., with a separation index of 0.51. This study contributes to the development of efficient potato harvesting technologies. Farmers can minimize fuel consumption, reduce operation time, and maximize field capacity by optimizing harvesting speed. The designed harvester can be attached to a tractor, making it suitable for small-scale and large-scale farmers. The study's findings have practical implications for the agricultural industry. The harvester has a limitation of running at slope inclinations of not more than 16 degrees and with low soil moisture content. One row of potatoes is harvested by the potato harvester on each trip.