Analysis of the Axle Load of a Rice Transplanter According to Gear Selection

The objective of this study was to analyze the axle load of a rice transplanter when planting rice seedlings at different working load conditions to select a suitable gear stage and a constant planting depth for rice seedlings. In this study, there are four levels of planting distances (26, 35, 43, and 80 cm) and three planting depths (low, medium, and high) with two gear stages (1.3 and 1.7 m/s). Axle loads and required planting pressures were analyzed statistically. It was observed that axle torques were increased with increasing planting depths for both gear stages, meaning that axle torques were directly proportional to planting depths for both gear stages. It was also observed that required planting pressures had a significant difference between planting distances. Planting pressures also showed significant difference according to gear stage and planting depth. These results indicate that planting pressures were directly proportional to both gear stage and planting depth. Results revealed that the automatic depth control system of a rice transplanter could not guarantee a constant planting depth as supplied pressures were variable. This indicates that a control algorithm is needed to ensure a constant planting depth. In the future, a control algorithm will be developed for an automatic depth control system of a rice transplanter to improve its comprehensive performance and efficiency.