Development of Potatoes Harvesting Machine for Small-Scale Farming

Manual potato harvesting is labour-intensive and time-consuming for small-scale farmers due to the high cost and inaccessibility of industrial machinery. This study presents the development of a small-scale potato harvester that integrates digging and sieving mechanisms. Three design concepts were assessed based on capital investment, size, maintenance, effectiveness, and digger adjustability. A detailed design analysis determined key specifications, including machine dimensions (2.385 m × 1.07 m × 1.083 m), cutting share width (0.51 m), weight (180 kg), field capacity (0.101 ha/h), and operating speed (3.5 km/h). The digger is designed to rotate for adaptability to varying soil slopes and is vertically adjustable for different depths. The estimated cost of the developed harvester is approximately N$30,000, making it a cost-effective alternative to industrial machines. The designed mechanized potato-harvesting machine is expected to significantly reduce labour, improve overall efficiency, and enhance productivity, thereby easing the harvesting process for small-scale farmers. The isometric view of the potato harvester, designed in SOLIDWORKS®, illustrates the final design.