Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Rotary slashers are essential tools in agricultural and land management practices. However, like any machinery, they require regular maintenance and occasional rehabilitation to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This research project aimed to provide practical knowledge on the rehabilitation process of a rotary slasher, focusing on the key components and steps involved. The study began with a comprehensive overview of rotary slashers, highlighting their design, function, and common issues that may arise during operation. Understanding the basic structure of a rotary slasher is crucial for identifying potential problems and determining the appropriate rehabilitation approach. The project emphasized the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs. The rehabilitation process itself was divided into several key stages, starting with a thorough assessment of the slasher's condition. This initial step involved inspecting the blades, gearbox, driveline, and other critical components for wear, damage, or misalignment. By identifying specific issues early on, operators can address them promptly and avoid further damage to the equipment. Once the assessment was complete, the next stage focused on disassembly and cleaning. Removing dirt, debris, and old lubricants is essential for proper rehabilitation and allows for a more detailed inspection of individual parts. This stage also involved checking for loose bolts, worn bearings, and other signs of wear that could affect the slasher's performance. After cleaning and inspection, the project delved into the repair and replacement phase. This step included sharpening or replacing dull blades, greasing bearings, and fixing any damaged or worn-out components. Using high-quality replacement parts and following manufacturer guidelines are crucial for ensuring the slasher functions efficiently and safely after rehabilitation. The final stages of the process involved reassembly, testing, and fine-tuning. Proper reassembly is essential to prevent issues like misalignment or imbalance that could lead to further problems down the line. Testing the slasher after rehabilitation allows operators to confirm that it is working correctly and make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance. In conclusion, this research project provided valuable insights into the practical knowledge required for the successful rehabilitation of a rotary slasher. By following the outlined steps and best practices, operators can extend the lifespan of their equipment, reduce downtime, and improve overall productivity in agricultural and land management operations.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Rotary Slashers is an agricultural machine, which is used for cutting unwanted grass. These rotary slashers are joined through jigs, fixtures & dies, thus ensure joining accuracy as well as interchangeability. It has heavy duty gear boxes and rugged frame which can withstand rough and tough wild grass, anchored straw and bushes. It is designed for fast application to any type of 5080 HP tractor with three point linkage. (www.indianagrovision.com, 2018).  

Rotary slasher are generally have an opening by the side of the housing through which cut grasses expelled. The blade is seldom Sharp enough to give a neat cutting point.The blade simply cut the grass resulting in brown tips.However the horizontal blades are easy to removed and sharpen or replace. Base on the energy source , the tractor power take off shaft is use to transfer power to the implement.

(www.ijeter.everscience.org, 2018).

1.1                                                     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This project deals with the rejuvenation of rotary slasher slasher which was broken down for a while in the workshop due to some mechanical fault. We aimed at restoring the rotary slasher to good operative,effective and also make it to serve the purpose.

Rehabilitation of rotary slasher means to the process involved in repairing and rejuvenation of a broken down rotary slasher in other to restore it back to normal working condition. Due to high global economic set back today, a lot of people find it difficult when it comes in term of rehabilitation of broken down machine, implement part or the machine as a whole and hence serve as an alternative to purchasing new one.

1.2                                                     STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A physical inspection was carried out on the scrapped and abandoned rotary slasher to access the problems of the implement. After inspection and diagnosed. It was discovered that the following faults were detected.

      i.           The oil seal was damaged

    ii.           The slip clutch safety guard was missing

  iii.           The blades is blunt, require resharpening

  iv.           The center hitch pin was missing

    v.           The bolts and nuts on the blade need replacement

1.3                                                     AIM AND OBJECTIVE

1.3.1                                                 AIM

      i.           The aim of this project is to acquire practical knowledge on the rehabilitation process of a rotary slasher

    ii.           To make the implement functional

  iii.           To highlight on the advantages of good maintenance culture

1.3.2                                                 OBJECTIVE

      i.           To inspect the implement

    ii.           To diagnose and detect the fauts in the rotary slasher

  iii.           To estimate the requirements for the rehabilitation

  iv.           To rehabilitate and test implement

    v.           To provide additional implement to the department.

1.4                                                     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Is to have practical knowledge and experience of what is been thought in the classroom and also have idieas on the maintenance to add to the number of good equipment in the department.

This project would not only help in the rehabilitating the rotary slasher, but will help in correcting the maintenance of the implement, broadens the students technical knowledge of the implement hereby increasing their interest the field.

1.5                                                     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this project is the precurment, purchase and replacement of the defectives parts in the rotary slasher and to extend the functionality of the implement in the department.

1.6.1                                                 DEFINITION OF TERMS

      i.            MACHINERY

This is a group of powerful multipurpose engine powered machines or device on which implement are mounted or attached for their operations. This device require skills to operate, example tractors, bulldozer, milking machine, etc.They are often heavy duty machines adopted for large scale mechanized farming.

    ii.            EQUIPMENT

These are lower machines or advanced implements that require both skilled and unskilled labour for their operation.They range from simple hand held apparatus to complex ones designed a specific work.

  iii.            IMPLEMENT

These are higher and larger tools or devices that are attached to or mounted on animals or machines used in farming operation. Without the aid of these machines or animals,implements cannot function on there own.They are made up of material especially iron for a specific purpose in the farming operation.example ,ploughs, shearing blade,harrow, Rodgers,cultivators, tiller.etc that are attached to the tractor use in mechanized farming

1.6.2                                                 CLASSIFICATION OF IMPLEMENT

Agricultural implement can be further classified according to how the drive power from the power unite the can be further classified into four major unit namely.

                      i.            FULLY MOUNTED IMPLEMENT

Fully mounted implement are machines that drive all power required for work from the prime mover,such machine is mounted is mounted on the tractor’s three point linkage and can be lowered or lifted using a tractor hydraulics system. Example of fully mounted implement include rotary slasher,plough, subsoiler, disc harrow etc.

                  ii.            SEMI-MOUNTED IMPLEMENT

These is an implement that is partially supported by the tractor and partially supported by own wheel.such implement has only one pair of wheel, usually at the back while the front is supported by the tractor draw bar.example of such implement includes planter,sprayers,and fertilizer drills

                iii.            TRAIL IMPLEMENT

These are implement that is attached to the tractor through the draw bar which provide a towing or pull force but can not support the weight of the implement .such implement include tractor trailer use for transportation.

                iv.            SELF PROPELLED IMPLEMENT

This is a machine this is self propelled and has his own engine and tyre for support. It does not depend on the tractor for power and support.