groundnut harvesting machine

Types of groundnut harvesting machines

A groundnut harvesting machine is used to harvest peanuts. Industrial-scale farmers may need to use a machine to reduce labor and time. There are a few types of machines, and they are all suitable for large-scale harvesting of groundnuts. The following types of groundnut harvesting machines exist:

• Ridden groundnut harvesting machine

  This is a type of groundnut harvesting machine that has a tractor-mounted digger and peanut picker. The digger is attached behind the tractor and uses its horizontal rod to uproot the groundnuts. The digger is mounted at different widths so that farmers can adjust it according to the quantity of groundnuts they are harvesting. Once the groundnuts are uprooted, they are placed on the digester chain. The peanuts then undergo primary separation on the chained rollers. On the other hand, peanut pickers are usually transverse rolling bars. The ripe groundnuts are separated from the soil and debris as the bars roll. The peanuts are separated and collected in a basket. The peanut picker is usually mounted on the rear side of the tractor, but it can also be front-mounted.

• Walk-behind groundnut harvesting machine

  This is a powered digger and peanut cleaner that a farmer can walk behind and operate. Unlike ridden harvesters where a farmer sits, in this case, the farmer walks behind it. The machine digs up peanuts using an oscillating fork. After digging, the peanuts go through a cleaning process where foreign matter like soil and plant residue is removed. After the cleaning process, the harvested peanuts are placed in a storage bin or bag.

• Mini groundnut harvesting machines

  The mini groundnut harvesting machines are digger and cleaners that have a simple design and are lightweight. The operator has to push or pull the machine manually to dig the groundnuts. The machine comes with a handle that is easily adjustable. Foreign material is removed from the harvested peanuts, which are later placed in a collection bag or bin.

Groundnut harvesting machine specification and maintenance

The specification of a groundnut digger harvester varies depending on the model and type. Here are some common specifications to consider:

• Working Width

  This is the width the machine covers during the digging operation. It typically ranges between 0.9 m and 1.5 m. The working width affects the amount of groundnuts harvested per unit time. A wider width is likely to increase productivity.

• Power Source

  Groundnut harvesting machines have varied power sources. Some rely on gasoline engines and others on diesel engines. The engines differ in horsepower. For instance, small-scale harvesters have engines with about 20 hp. Bigger models have engines with more than 50 hp.

• Weight

  The weight of the groundnut harvesting machine affects its stability during operation. Heavier machines dig peanuts more efficiently. The weight ranges from about 200 kg to 1000 kg.

• Overall Dimensions

  These include length, width, and height. These dimensions vary depending on the model of the harvester. A typical dimension is about 2 m x 1.5 m x 1.2 m for a medium-sized harvester.

Maintenance

With good care, groundnut harvesters can dig groundnuts efficiently for many years. Here is some essential maintenance schedule:

• Daily Maintenance

  Inspect the entire harvesting machine for any damage or wear. Fix the issues before they develop into expensive repairs. Clean the machine thoroughly to get rid of dirt and debris. Lubricate all moving components to reduce friction and avoid premature wearing. Check the hydraulic system components. Look for leaks, loose connections, or damaged hoses. Ensure that all bolts are tight and nothing is loose.

• Weekly Maintenance

  Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. Clean or change the air filter. Sharpen the digging and gathering chains. Thoroughly check the hydraulic oil levels and top-up if necessary. Look at the condition of the belts and tracks. Replace the worn or damaged ones.

• Monthly Maintenance

  Inspect the entire groundnut harvesting machine and look for signs of wear and tear. Check the battery terminals and clean the battery. Look at the tires and ensure they are at the right pressure. Create a schedule to grease the shovel, belts, and chain.

• Annual Maintenance

  Consider taking the machine to a qualified technician. They will perform a complete overhaul of the entire system. The technician will replace all filters and fluids. They will also calibrate the engine and inspect the hydraulics thoroughly. They will also service the fuel system and inspect all cables and belts.

Usage scenarios for groundnut harvesting machines

The usage scenarios for groundnut harvesting machines are diverse and can cater to various applications. Primarily, these machines are used for harvesting groundnuts or peanuts on a large scale in agriculture. Farmers with huge fields efficiently use them to ensure timely harvesting of mature groundnuts at low labor costs.

Besides groundnuts, these harvesting machines can also be used for other legumes with similar growth patterns and rooting structures, such as soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and broad beans. They can also be used for harvesting crops like potatoes, turmeric, garlic, carrots, and ginger planted deep into the soil. This is because groundnut harvesting machines are compatible with attachments that can cater to different crops. Therefore, they present a solution for harvesting efficiency for farmers growing various deep-rooted crops who face similar harvesting challenges.

Groundnut harvesting machines can also be used for other operations like cleaning and shelling groundnuts. Farmers can save time and costs by using one machine for multiple operations instead of hiring several specialized workers for different crop-related tasks. Furthermore, groundnut harvesting machines with advanced technologies can be utilized for data collection in precision agriculture, where farm details like soil conditions, crop performance, and field mapping need to be analyzed.

This data can then be used by farmers and agronomists to make informed decisions about optimizing crop management practices, thereby enhancing productivity.

Finally, farming cooperatives,262 agricultural research institutions, and peanut butter production companies that rely on groundnut as a raw material can also invest in groundnut harvesting machines. They’ll need the machines to ensure efficient harvests that meet their expected supply volumes.

How to choose groundnut harvesting machines

Buyers need to consider several factors when selecting groundnut harvesting machines for sale. These include farm capacity and size, efficiency, quality and integrity of harvested crops, adjustable settings, ease of use, compatibility with existing equipment, maintenance requirements, and safety features.

They must first determine the capacity and size of their farms. Depending on the size, buyers may need a small, medium, or large capacity harvesting machine. For farms with large areas, a groundnut harvesting machine equipped with a tractor would be ideal, as it can cover vast areas in a short amount of time. Conversely, for small grounds, a walk-behind or handheld machine would suffice, as it would be more practical and easier to navigate through narrow rows of peanuts.

Consider the harvesting efficiency of machines before purchasing. Machines that harvest, dig, and lift groundnuts with chains in one operation are more efficient than those that perform one task. Prioritize the harvesting quality of shortlisted machines. Digging bars shouldn't damage the groundnuts, and the lifting mechanism shouldn't crush them. Look for groundnut machines with good separation systems that minimize the loss of nuts and safely remove soil clumps.

Buyers should also select harvesting machines with different settings to adjust according to the peanut variety, soil conditions, and farming practices. Such flexibility improves harvesting efficiency and crop care. The groundnut harvesting machine purchased should also be easy to operate. It shouldn't have complicated operating systems that will require intensive manpower training.

Groundnut harvesting machines should also be compatible with existing equipment. They should easily connect and work with other agricultural machines like planters and sprayers to streamline operations and minimize downtime. In addition, the machine's maintenance requirements should not be very high. Choose machines with readily available and easy-to-replace spare parts.

FAQ

Q1: What are the trends in groundnut harvesting machine development?

A1: The groundnut harvesting machine development trends include intelligent automatic machines, combined harvesting and threshing machines, energy-saving and environmental protection technologies, precision agriculture technologies, and multifunctional integrated machines.

Q2: What are the main components of a groundnut harvester?

A2: A groundnut harvester consists of intake device, digging device, lifting device, threshing device, separation device, etc. The intake device is used to take in peanuts and leaves. The digging device digs out peanuts from the soil. The lifting device lifts the peanuts to the threshing device. There, the peanuts are separated and classified.

Q3: What types of groundnut harvesters are available?

A3: Groundnut harvesters can be divided into type, model, and working width. According to the working method, there are mounted, towed, and self-propelled harvesters. Peanut harvesters in different countries and regions are varied according to local customs and habits.

Q4: How do groundnut harvesting machines increase efficiency?

A4: Groundnut harvesting machines enhance efficiency by rapid digging, efficient threshing, and separation, saving labor and time. With motor or tractor power assistance, they handle larger areas than manual methods, providing high production rates.