TECHNOLOGY/PRODUCT:

Two-wheel single axle tractor prototype -
POWERTILLER PT1

Mechanisation of land preparation is necessary for its timely performance to meet the strict time schedules of double cropping of rice.
A major problem in land preparation is soft soil trafficability and the lowering of the hardpan by the tractors.
Light weight 2-wheel single axle tractors are suitable for the soil puddling and levelling operation after the primary soil cultivation by the heavier tractors.

The 2 wheel single axle pedestrian tractor prototype called POWERTILLER PT1 was designed and developed by MARDI for local manufacture.

Power is transmitted from a 5-7 hp engine to the transmission unit through vee-belt and pulleys.
The transmission unit has a gear reduction of 9:1 and a final drive of sprockets and chain.
The axle shaft is hexagonal in cross-section and is replaceable by longer or shorter depending on the type of operation or implement used.
Some of the implements that can be adapted and developed for used with it included the puddling wheels, the soil leveller, the rice stripper harvester attachment, the cagewheels, one ton trailer, batch dryer and planter.

Ooi, H.S. (1980). Development of a multipurpose rice pedestrian tractor for local manufacture. MARDI Report No. 73
Ooi, H.S. (1980). Studies on the development of a padi stripper attachment. 1977-1978 investigations. MARDI Report No. 68

POWERTILLER PT1 was found to give a workrate of 0.2- 0.5 ha/h for puddling the the paddy soil.
It has no problem in undertaking the light work of weeding, seeding and trailer-towing on farm roads.
Turning was difficult as it was not equipped with power steering.

It is suitable for soil puddling after primary soil cultivation by 2-wheel tractor or 4-wheel tractor
Machine can be used for towing A 1 tonne trailer and for other uses.
The design and development of the 2-wheel tractor is at the production prototype design stage.

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