Effect of blade shape and shaft speed on the performance of a tilling wheel of float-assisted tillers

Issue Date

3-2015

Abstract

A float-assisted tiller for land preparation under water-logged condition consists of a front-mounted cage wheel (tilling wheel) and a float on which the engine is mounted. The study aimed to determine the effect of different blade shapes (triangular, rectangular and no blades) and shaft speed (200, 250 and 300 rpm) on the performance of the tilling wheel. The experiments were done using a single tilling wheel in a soil bin using Maahas clay. Torque transducer, speed shaft sensor and load cells were used to measure forces. The highest average axle power of 966.9 W was obtained at 300 rpm on the first pass with rectangular blades. The highest performance index was obtained at 200 rpm on the third pass with triangular blades (416.5 m3 MJ-1). The best blade shape and shaft speed would be triangular blades at 250 rpm because of their high performance index and tractive efficiency. Statistical analysis showed that average axle power and performance index were significantly affected by the blade shape, number of pass, shaft speed, the combination of blade shape and shaft speed, and the combination of blade shape and number of pass. On the other hand, puddling index was affected by the blade shape and number of pass. The mean differences of puddling index between blade shape were only significant between triangular and no blades. Moreover, the mean differences of performance index between blade shape, number of pass and shaft speeds were all significant.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

0031-7454

Volume

98

Issue

1

Page

73-80

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Blade shape, Float-assisted tiller, Performance index, Puddling index, Tilling wheel blades

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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