Development of a Soil Packing Machine for Pre-transplanting Para Rubber Bags, Model 2

Abstract

This research was aimed at development, testing and evaluating performance of the second generation (Model 2) of a soil packing machine for pre-transplanting para rubber bags. The machine was small and had an automatic soil packing system. The tests were conducted at paddle speeds of 20 and 40 rpm with delay times for moving the crate of 3, 5 and 7 s. The optimum paddle speed was at 20 rpm with a 5 s delay time. The results of the performance tests showed production rates of 473 bag h-1 or 3,784 bag d-1 and electricity charge of 0.48 Baht h-1. Comparing between machine and manual packings, the packing machine yielded as much as 2.58 times higher capacity than manual packing. However, manual packing had a higher success rate by about 8%. The satisfaction survey for evaluating the design, safety, ease of use and productivity was conducted with 30 para rubber farmers. Overall users’ satisfaction was evaluated to be 4.33 points, which was considered good.