Abstract:
A fully functional semi mechanized cassava harvester that would aid in harvesting of cassava
was designed, manufactured and tested. The study aims to eradicate drudgery, improve cassava
harvesting efficiency, decrease the time of harvesting, high labour cost and to provide an
affordable device for small and medium cassava farmers.
The harvester is composed of three main parts, the handle which gives the leverage, the
gripping jaw which firmly holds the base of the cut cassava stem and the stand which gives the
support.
From two basic concepts, one was selected based on the criterial used in the matrix. The
selected concept was developed into a detailed design and subsequently fabricated.
A finite element analysis (FEA); simulation was performed to evaluate the stress distributed
across the structure under typical operational conditions by subjecting a force of 600N to the
handle. The maximum yield strength of 30.8 kPa was well below the material’s ultimate tensile
strength of 620 MPa, ensuring structural reliability.
Field tests confirm that the design withstands operational loads without failure and the tool
effectively reduces the manual effort required to harvest cassava
