COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF TRACTOR DRAWN IMPLEMENTS TILLAGE SYSTEM WITH ROTAVATOR TILLAGE SYSTEM

DINESH KUMAR RANGAPARA¹*, K.L. DABHI², A.D. MAKWANA^3
1Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute, Mota Bazaar, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Anand, 388120, Gujarat
²Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, 388110, Gujarat
³College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362001, Gujarat
* Corresponding Author : dineshrangapara@gmail.com

Received : 17-12-2016     Accepted : 10-01-2017     Published : 30-01-2017
Volume : 9     Issue : 5       Pages : 3743 - 3748
Int J Agr Sci 9.5 (2017):3743-3748

Keywords : Comparison, Evaluation, Performance, Rotavator, Tractor, Tillage
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. M. L. Gaur, Principal and Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Anand Agricultural University, Godhra for allowing us to work on this topic and for providing necessary facilities during course of investigation
Author Contribution : planning, execution and completion of research work during the year 2012-2013

Field tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of four different sized tractor – implement (rotavator) combination of at College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Anand Agricultural University Godhra, District: Panchmahal. The four different ranges of available tractors, i.e. power tiller (13 hp), mini tractor 1 (12 hp), mini tractor 2 (15 hp) and medium size tractor (35 hp) were used for seedbed preparation in the field under identical operating conditions using rotavator as matching implement in order to evaluate the performance of rotavator with each tractor and to suggest the small farmers in selecting suitable tractor for cost-effective operation. The parameters evaluated were travel reduction (wheel slippage), draft, speed of operation, drawbar power, volume of soil disturbed, fuel consumption, field efficiency and soil pulverization. The experimental plots were laid side by side in a randomized block design (RBD). Results indicate that mini tractor (Yuvraj 215) of 15 hp performed better in comparison to the other tractor – implement (rotavator) combination for seed bed preparation with respect to the parameters evaluated. It was found that the cost required for tillage operation by medium size tractor (Sonalika DI-35), mini tractor (Yuvraj 215), mini tractor (Captain DI-2600) and power tiller (VST Shakti 130 DI) was 1655.93, 1396.44, 1598.42, 2497.00 Rs/ha respectively. The operational cost of mini tractor (Yuvraj 215) was observed lowest. The mini tractor (Yuvraj 215) was therefore recommended among the three tractors from the standpoint of operational efficiency and economy.