Development of Two Men Held Tea Plucking Machine

Details of present/Existing Technology. Shortfall / Technological gaps in the existing technology

The tea plucking machines are being manufactured mostly by the Japanese and are quite expensive beyond the reach of small tea planters. Further, two separate machines are required for plucking and skiffing jobs.

Approach adopted in new technology to evade technological gap in the exiting one

The present machines has been developed keeping in view the local conditions and using indigenous materials. The machine on trial runs has proved to be effective for both plucking and skiffing jobs.

Advantages

The cost is within the reach of small planters handling both skiffing and plucking jobs by simple change of blades. The spares are easily available in case of breakdown. Further, labour cost can be reduced as four persons can pluck 1200-1400 kg of green tea leaf per day.

Brief Description

• Harvesting capacity- 1ha/day
  
• Weight of machine-17 kg
  
• Tea leaf collection- By air blast into an attached bag
  
• Prime mover-Fuel efficient, air cooled 2 storke
  
• 40.6cc capacity petrol engine capable of developing 2.0 HP at 7200 RPM

Applications

Agriculture & Mechanisation of farm operations
The machine finds use in tea gardens and is efficient in shoot plucking and skiffing and four persons can handle the machine over a large area.

Status of Development: Ready for commercial use

Technology Transfer Agent: Know-how

Collaborating Agency

The Director
Central Meachanical Engineering Research Institute
MG Avenue, Durgapur- 713209 (W.B.)
Fax: 0343-546745
Email: cmeri%sirnet@sirnetd.ernet.in

Contact for more information:

Director
Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
Post Box No.6 Palampur
Himachal Pradesh - 176 061
India