A weeding machine powered by a 2.2 kW petrol start kerosene run engine was designed, developed and field tested. The rated engine speed of 3300 rpm at load was reduced to 60 rev/min of ground wheels by belt - pulley and sprocket-chain mechanisms in three steps. A sweep type weeding blade was designed for structural strength. The power weeder was evaluated in the field in terms of field efficiency and weeding efficiency in cotton crop. Cost of operation by the power weeder was computed to be Rs. 580 per ha. The machine was found useful for weeding in between standing rows of cash crops like cotton,tapioca and grape. The weeder could cover an area of one haina day of 8 h. The cost of weeding by this machine comes to only one-third of the weeding cost by manual labourers.
Mechanical weeder, weeding tool
