Performance Evaluation, Machine Parameters and Ergonomic Aspects of Palm Fruit Harvesters

Abstract

Oil palm fruit is an essential product derived from the palm trees.  The stress associated with palm fruit harvesting, particularly from tall palm trees, supports the call for a technology transition from manual to mechanical harvesters. The study's objective is to evaluate the performance and also determine the machine parameters and ergonomics of the oil palm harvester to aid in adopting the machine, training farmers, and addressing operator inefficiencies. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey involving 261 farmers, an observational, experimental, and evaluative approach through multiple testing procedures based on the ground theory. The study assesses oil palm harvesting practices, highlighting the prevalence of sickle-pole harvesters (76%), despite ergonomic challenges causing operator fatigue and health risks. Mechanical harvester adoption is limited (3%) due to high costs and availability, contrasting accessible manual harvesters. Performance evaluation reveals a reduction in the expected improvement in the mechanical harvester’s capacity by 65 fresh fruit bunches (FFB), mainly attributed to operator inefficiencies, yet it proves 22 % more efficient than manual methods (P-value of 0.8287 was obtained under 5 % significance level). A predictive model underscores the mechanical harvester's potential, hindered by persistent low adoption due to cost considerations. The study addresses ergonomic concerns, proposing modifications for vibration-induced fatigue. Emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement and policies to promote mechanized agriculture in Ghana, the research contributes valuable insights to precision agriculture and ergonomic design.