Evaluation of an offset rotavator for different type of orchards

Abstract

Rotary tillage implements are now being projected as important equipment that result in production
of fine-tilth soil. However, the rotavator being in line with the tractor at the back cannot be used
in orchards due to the hindrance posed by narrow space between the trees. Hence, there is a need
of some tillage tool in offset to the central line of tractor so that it can reach to the area under the
tree with the tractor placed in between the rows. In the offset working condition (offset rotavator)
the rotary tillage unit can easily reach the strip of soil under low trees and vegetation where
tractors could not operate because of limited height. An offset rotavators were mostly imported
to our country and evaluated to find their suitability under Indian conditions. The study was
undertaken to examine the influence of λ - ratio, depth of cut at different orchards fields such as
mango, guava, and sapota with dependent parameters such as draft, fuel consumption, power
consumption, field efficiency, and residue incorporation by an offset rotavator. In this paper the
results indicated that as the λ - ratio and depth of cut increases, the value of draft, fuel consumption,
power consumption also increases.