Effects of Forward Speed and Fruit Density on Picking and Collection Efficiency of a Neem Fruit Collector in Test Rig

EFFECTS OF VARIABLES ON NEEM FRUIT COLLECTION

Abstract

Manual neem fruit collection is labor-intensive, consuming 30% of harvesting time. This study assessed the impact of operational variables on picking efficiency, conveying efficiency, and the missing index in a mechanical neem fruit picker collector test rig. Findings showed that raising the forward speed from 1.5 km∙h⁻¹ (S₁) to 2.0 km∙h⁻¹ (S₃) led to a reduction in picking efficiency by 11.29, 11.97, and 12.64% for all the selected levels of fruit densities respectively. The picking efficiency was increased by 17.49, 20.14, and 16.49% with an increase in fruit density from F₁ to F₃. The elevation in forward speed from S₁ to S₃ resulted in 7.26, 3.28, and 4.37% reduction in collection efficiency. An increase in fruit density from F₁ to F₃ increases the collection efficiency by 8.24, 8.35, and 10.72%.  It was also observed that 16.5, 23.6, and 25.6% increments in the missing index with an elevation in the forward speed from S₁ to S₃ at all the selected levels of fruit density. It was also noted that an increase in fruit density from F₁ to F₃ resulted in a gradual reduction in the missing index by 60.32, 44.56, and 42.85% at all levels of forward speed. Optimal performance was attained at a forward speed of 1.5 km∙h⁻¹ (S₁) with a fruit density of 125 fruits per 0.1 m² (F₃), yielding 74.8% picking efficiency, 98.5% collection efficiency, and a 26.32% missing index. These optimal conditions are recommended for efficient and cost-effective neem fruit collection.