Development and Fabrication of Manually Push-Pull Type Conical Weeder for Bangladesh Condition

Abstract

In Bangladesh, the use of machinery in agriculture production is fast rising. Researchers are developing technology to replace traditional hand weeding to manage weeds in rice fields. The present study has been taken to increase weeding efficiency and reduce the drudgery in weeding and mulching. A line-to-line distance of 20 cm, the operation is push-pull, and field operating condition at 2 - 4 cm standing water (for softening the field) was the designed hypothesis. The weeder consists of a skid/float, float holder, float adjuster, main body frame, rotor, axel, bush, rotor holder, rotor holder adjuster, handle, handle griper, handle holder, handle height adjuster, nut, bolt, etc. The designed weeder was fabricated using MS sheet, MS pipe, MS flat bar, MS nut-bolt, etc. When the rotors perform back and forth, the weeder’s two conical rotors with six plain blades and six serrated blades work together to uproot and bury the weeds. It also contains a 2 mm thick float assembly with a precise angle of 22 degrees. Weeds are uprooted by the weeder’s blades and buried in the muddy soil. It causes topsoil disturbance and enhances aeration. The weeding efficiency and capacity of the conical weeder were 81.92% and 0.0203 ha/h respectively. With a push-pull operation, the weeder can uproot and bury the weeds in a single row at a time. The pushing force and weight of weeder were 43.42 N and 5.6 kg respectively. Farmers can use this weeder to increase their comfort and reduce the drudgery associated with weeding and mulching in their fields.