Development and Performance Evaluation of a Maize Roaster

Abstract

To meet the needs and reduce the difficulties of maize farming for rural, small, and medium-sized farmers, a self-propelled maize seeding machine has been produced with locally available materials. The major components of the machine are hopper, reducing gear, pillow bearing, gasoline engine, metering device, furrow opener, furrow closer, shafts, frame support, pulley, belt, casing, side cover, wheels, and handle. The machine was driven by a petrol engine and the power transmission from the reduction gear to the driving shaft that connects the front wheels with the aid of the sprocket and chain to shift the power from the front wheel to the metering mechanism by belt and pulley arrangement. At an average planting depth ranging from 2.47 cm to 2.60 cm, the planter effectively weighed three seeds per discharge, with an average seed damage of 8.33 percent. An average seed weight ranging from 4.44 g to 4.72 g was also collected from the hopper at a mean planting space range of 48.20 cm to 49.80 cm. 73.7 percent of field efficiency, 87.66 percent of machine efficiency and 0.30 ha/hr of average field power were obtained. The machine's manufacturing cost is $150.