Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Rotary slashers are vital equipment used in agriculture and landscaping for cutting grass, weeds, and small shrubs. Over time, these machines can undergo wear and tear, requiring rehabilitation to restore their functionality. This research project aims to provide practical knowledge on the rehabilitation process of a rotary slasher, detailing the steps involved, common issues encountered, and best practices for maintenance. The rehabilitation process typically begins with a thorough inspection of the rotary slasher to assess the extent of damage and identify the parts that need replacement or repair. Common issues that may be encountered include worn blades, damaged belts, and issues with the gearbox or motor. Once the issues are identified, the next step is to source the necessary replacement parts and tools for the rehabilitation process. During the actual rehabilitation process, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for disassembly, repair, and reassembly. This includes ensuring proper alignment of components, correct tensioning of belts, and lubrication of moving parts. Additionally, attention should be paid to safety precautions to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of the equipment. Proper maintenance practices are crucial for extending the lifespan of a rotary slasher and ensuring its optimal performance. Regular cleaning of the machine after each use, sharpening or replacing blades as needed, and greasing moving parts are essential tasks to prevent premature wear and damage. By following a routine maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly, operators can avoid costly repairs and downtime. In conclusion, the rehabilitation process of a rotary slasher requires careful inspection, proper tools, and adherence to maintenance best practices. By understanding the steps involved in rehabilitating a rotary slasher and implementing proactive maintenance strategies, operators can prolong the lifespan of their equipment and maximize its efficiency in agricultural and landscaping operations. This research project provides valuable insights and practical knowledge to guide operators through the rehabilitation process and ensure the continued functionality of their rotary slashers.

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.