Field evaluation of a vibrating dual bent-share cultivator

Abstract

In this research, the suitability of a vibrating dual bent-share cultivator was studied. Therefore, an eccentric pin-slider mechanism was designed to vibrate the two shanks laterally, using a tractor power take-off. The present study investigates the field performance of the vibrating dual bent-share cultivator with three different vibration frequencies (0, 0.88, and 2 Hz) in a clay loam soil at two working depths (100 and 200 mm) and having a water content of a 0.7 or 0.9 plastic limit. The lowest values of the draught, specific draught, and MWD were recorded at a vibration frequency of 2 Hz and a working depth of 100 mm. The draught force, specific draught, and MWD of the non-vibration implement were reduced by using a vibration frequency of 2 Hz. The coefficient of determination and F-values proved that the vibration frequency was more effective than the soil water content and the working depth on the draught, specific draught, and MWD. Although a dual bent-share cultivator needs low energy compared with a mould-board plough, the vibration of the dual bent-share cultivator may be recommended as an efficient energy-demanding implement in the soil manipulation process.