Evaluation of a Crank-type Walking Cultivator for Upland Farming

Purpose: This research was conducted to evaluate feasibility of a crank-type walking cultivators for weeding in furrowed upland. Methods: A walking cultivator developed by RDA was selected and evaluated with its working speed (S), cultivation depth (CD) and weeding performance (WP). The evaluation was performed in upland field on July and August, 2012. Also kinematic analysis of the machine was performed to draw out design improvements. Results: S in flat, uphill and downhill were about 0.11 m $s^{-1}$, 0.11 m $s^{-1}$, and 0.13 m $s^{-1}$ respectively. It was found that S had a low relevance with user conditions. The CD was 35 ~ 40 mm which was satisfied with the RDA guide for weeding machine. A wide variation was observed in values of WP depending on the growth stages of weeds and field conditions. The cultivator showed low performance in eliminating the well-grown weeds. Kinematic simulation revealed that high forward speed caused a high ratio of un-weeded area. Conclusions: The weeding performance of the cultivator was satisfactory for weeds in early growth stage but it showed difficulties in handling on up-slope and in entering up-land. Specifically, the weight of the cultivator was judged as overweight for female workers. The crank-hoe type cultivator was judged as unsuitable for small walking type machine due to weight of the four-bar linkage system. Kinematic analysis revealed that the ratio of crank speed to the ground speed must be 850 rpm s $m^{-1}$ (255 rpm based on 0.3 m $s^{-1}$) or greater to avoid uncultivated area. Selection of forward speed is a decisive factor in designing the weeding cultivator.