Performance evaluation of mini tractor operated wavy disc type PTO powered tillage implement

Abstract

The newly developed implement was tested in field condition to evaluate its performance. Performance analysis of the implement was carried out with Response Surface Methodology. Statistical significance of the terms was examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each response using face centered central composite design. The performance of the developed implement was assessed by varying three different parameters - gang angle (20°, 25°, 30°), forward speeds (0.35, 0.77, 1.19 m/s) and depth of operation (4, 8, 12 cm) and performance was observed in terms of mean mass soil diameter, draft, fuel consumption, wheel slip and field capacity. The average values of mean mass diameter, draft, fuel consumption, wheel slip and EFC obtained during the experiments were 12.28 mm, 106.12 kgf, 11.65 l/ha, 7.27 % and 0.178 ha/h, respectively. The overall best results for the developed tillage implement were obtained at 25° gang angle with forward speed of 0.77 m/s and depth of operation as 8 cm.