Development and Evaluation of Power Operated Sugarcane Sett Cutter

Abstract

India has the second highest area under sugarcane cultivation, next to Brazil. Sugarcane is cultivated 4.7 million ha with the productivity of 72 tonnes/ha. Tamil Nadu ranks first in sugarcane productivity in the country, recording an average of more than 100 tonne/ha. Manual sugarcane sett cutting method is time consuming, expensive, and involves human drudgery. To reduce human drudgery and time involved in the operation, the sugarcane sett cutter has developed with 3.7 kW diesel engine, basic frame, belt clutch assembly, power transmission assembly, serrated discs, bearings, and safety cover. The rotational speed of 1100 rev./min, serrated disc 160 mm diameter and 45˚ cutting angle were optimized based on the number of setts cut per hour, fissures in setts and germination percentage. The cost of sugarcane sett cutting for planting by the machine comes to Rs. 91/h, including depreciation, interest, fuel, lubricating oil, repairs and maintenance and operators’ wages. The machine could cut 5940 setts/h. The operational cost of the machine comes to Rs. 16 / 1000 setts and Rs. 1200/ha. Then, it observed germination was 92 percent. The cost of the machine is Rs. 27,000/-.