Mechanisation and automation trends in modern threshing systems: from stand-alone machines to intelligent combine harvesting technologies
¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering,
Nagpur- 440019, Maharashtra, India
²Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur- 440019, Maharashtra, India
³Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
*Correspondence: sagmech24@gmail.com
Abstract:
The mechanical harvesting process commonly known as threshing effects the grain quality, yield recovery, and agricultural profitability. To meet rising global food demands due to population growth along with labour shortages there is a need for efficient and automated threshing systems capable of producing high yields with low loss. This paper will provide a summary of recent advancements in threshing technology and evaluate its overall performance based upon criteria such as: efficiency; ability to accommodate different crops; and level of technology utilised in its design. The classification system used to classify threshing equipment into categories included those related to type of threshing mechanism (drum type, concave type, axial flow type); source of power (electricity, gasoline, diesel, hydraulic fluid, etc.), and type of equipment (single crop, multiple crops, and combine). Previous experimental studies reported that modern threshing systems can achieve high threshing and cleaning efficiencies depending on crop type, machine configuration, and operating parameters. High-capacity axial-flow systems have demonstrated productivity values up to 543 kg h⁻¹ in reported studies, whereas smaller solar- and pedal-operated threshers provide suitable alternatives for smallholder farming systems where affordability and portability are important considerations.
Key words:
Agricultural machinery, agricultural mechanisation, combine harvesters, multi-crop threshers, post-harvest technology