Development of Two-Row e-Powered Transplanter for Root Washed Type Paddy Seedlings

Abstract

A two-row e-powered paddy transplanter was developed for root-washed type seedlings. The developed transplanter was manually pulled in puddled field but had a direct current electric motor driven transplanting mechanism powered by lithiumion battery. Power was supplied to the seedling pickers-cum-holder and seedling shifter-cum-erector through the speed reduction-cum-transmission unit. The seedling pickers-cum-holder picked the seedlings from the bottom of the tray containing root-washed type seedlings by the picking and pushing cam assembly and transplanted into two rows by the seedling shifter-cum-erector. A new holding and releasing mechanism cam was developed and wooden float with aerodynamic curve was fabricated for the developed transplanter for smooth operation. Results of field performance showed that field efficiency of existing and e-powered transplanter were 45.70% and 56.71%, respectively. Field capacity of existing and e-powered transplanter were 0.029 ha/h and 0.036 ha/h, respectively. The cost of e-powered paddy transplanter was ₹32454/- and operating cost was ₹161/h. The developed transplanter was found suitable for transplanting with root-washed type seedlings.