Development and Performance Evaluation of a Power-Tiller-Operated Long L-Shaped Blades for Ratoon Management

This study presents development of cost-effective sugarcane stubble shaving tynes integrated with a power tiller (SSTIPT), and evaluates their performance and techno-economic feasibility as compared to the existing stubble shavers in market. The low cost long L-shaped blades for ratoon management integrated with existing power tiller was developed considering minimum cutting energy required for cutting sugarcane stem with effective cutting of sugarcane (minimum cutting index). The blade was designed using optimum angles i.e., a bevel angle of 15°, an approach angle of 23°, and shear angle of 0°, with its thickness tapering from 10 mm at the integrated end (mounted on the tiller shaft) to 5 mm at the cutting edge. The maximum stubble shaving efficiency of developed SSTIPT was found to be 97.2% with 1.45 km h^-1 forward operating speed of power tiller and four number of blades. The benefit-cost ratio of developed SSTIPT, and tractor-operated vertical-axis sugarcane stubble shaver (VASSS) and sugarcane stubble mulcher-cum-shaver (MSCMS) was found to be 0.81, 1.15 and 1.41, respectively. Though the benefit-cost ratio of SSTIPT is lower as compared to VASSS and MSCMS, but the construction cost of the SSTIPT is lower than that of the VASSS and MSCMS, making it a more suitable and economical option for small and marginal farmers who own a power tiller. The tractor operated VASSS and MSCMS were economical to provide custom hiring service for marginal and large field holding farmers.