Modification of Mobile Rice Thresher

Abstract

The modification of mobile rice thresher project aims to reduce problem in grain loss and to improve threshing efficiency of the rice thresher as well. These problems are commonly found in both hold-on and throw-in types rice thresher. The new threshing concept was introduced by combining hold-on and throw-in principles together. The trial method was carried out as the modification technique until the optimum performance was reached. Power consumption test and performance test of both original and modified machines were done by using three different local varieties of rice. Properties of grains and bundles were also measured. Test results showed that the modified machine is significantly better than the original machine in threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency. Total grain loss was also significantly reduced in the modified machine. However, grain capacity of the modified machine was reduced and results in reduction of specific threshing rate by about 25% when rapid feeding was used, comparing with the original machine.