DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A SEMI-MECHANIZED CASSAVA HARVESTING DEVICE

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