DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF VIBRATING POTATO DIGGERS

The performances of three same type of vibrating potato diggers were estimated by observing the potato separation and material flow on the bottom plate. Four-bar mechanism were adopted for three diggers and pairs of eccentric cams on both sides of driving shaft were used as driving link of the diggers. Each machine was tested with different amplitudes , frequencies, and travels speeds. Blade performance were observed in three categories : Impossible forward travel , acceptable operation, and unsatisfactory potato digging , but good material flow. Three parameters were used to set marginal values that enable the machines operate for potato digging, and the parameters were compared to select best one. Three parameters are λ, $\rho$, and K.λ is the ratio of vibrating speed to travel speed, $\rho$ is the ratio of blade acceleration to travel speed, and K is the ratio of blade acceleration to gravitational acceleration. K value of 2 or more is suggested to be used as design and evalu tion criterion of the vibrating digger.