Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a rotary power weeder for maize cultivation

Abstract

This research work focused on the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a rotary weeding machine for maize cultivation which is powered by a 1.25 hp petrol engine. The research work was aimed at reducing cost, labour, stress and time wastage involved in the weeding operation on the maize farm. The unit comprises of an engine, rotary blade, gearbox, fender, depth controller, walking wheel, handle and shutdown switch. The machine was fabricated from locally sourced materials, which makes it cheap and easily affordable and also easy and cheaper to maintain. The performance test of the machine was done in a maize field. The result of the field test revealed that the effective field capacity, field efficiency, weeding efficiency and the percentage of plant damage was 0.038 ha/h, 78.75%, 74.0% and 1.40% respectively. The total cost of construction the machine was US$ 191.1. The cost of weeding was US$ 1.45/h or US$ 38.16/ha. In compare with manual weeding the designed weeder can save 67.04% operational costs.