Development and Performance Evaluation of a Maize Planter

Abstract

A self-propelled maize seeding machine was produced with locally available materials to meet the needs and reduce the difficulties in maize farming for rural, small, and medium-sized farmers. The major components of the machine are hopper, reducing gear, pillow bearing, gasoline engine, metering device, furrow opener, furrow closer, shafts, frame support, pulley, belt, casing, side cover, wheels and handle. The machine was powered by a petrol engine and power transmission was by belt and pulley arrangement from the reducing gear to the driving shaft that engages the front wheels with the help of sprocket and chain to transfer the power from the front wheel to the metering mechanism. The planter effectively metered out three seeds per discharge at average planting depth varying from 2.47 cm to 2.60 cm with average percentage seed damage of 8.33%. An average weight varying from 4.44 g to 4.72 g of seeds was discharged by the hopper at a mean planting space range of 48.20 cm to 49.80 cm were also obtained. The field efficiency of 73.7%, machine efficiency of 87.66%, and average field capacity of 0.30 ha/hr were obtained. The production cost of the machine is $150.

Keywords

• Development
• seed damage
• field efficiency

Supporting Institution

Federal University of Technology Akure

Thanks

Thanks

References

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