DESIGN & FABRICATION OF SEED SOWING MACHINE

A MINI PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

VINOTHKUMAR.J

BALA MURUGAN.S

DAMODARAN.C

KALAIYARASAN.C

In partial fulfillment for the award of degree

of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ARNI

(A Constituent College of Anna University, Chennai)

ANNA UNIVERSITY::CHENNAI 600025

APRIL / MAY 2019

i
 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ARNI

ANNA UNIVERSITY::CHENNAI 600025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “DESIGN & FABRICATION OF SEED
SOWING MACHINE” is the bonafide work of “J. VINOTHKUMAR
(513316114054), S. BALA MURUGAN (513316114304), C. DAMODARAN
(513316114009), and C. KALAIYARASAN (513316114016)” that carried out the
project under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Mr. P. SARAVANAKUMAR M.Tech Mr. R. ANANDAN M.E

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Dept of Mechanical Engineering,

University College of Engineering, University College of Engineering,

Arni - 632 326. Arni – 632 326.

Submitted for the Practical Examination held on…………

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our sincere thanks to Dr. S. BOSE M.E., Ph.D., M.B.A our beloved
Dean, who has given opportunity to carry out the project work and completing the same.

We also express our sincere thanks to Dr. M. KOTHANDAPANI Msc. M.Phil., Ph.D
our beloved Professor and Head, Department of Mathematics for his immense support to
our project with encouragement, wishes and blessings.

We place on record our sincere thanks to our Head

Mr. P SARAVANAKUMAR M.Tech, (Ph.D) for giving wonderful chance to us.

We place on record our sincere thanks to our Guide Mr. R. ANANDAN M.E., for his
keen interest and valuable guidance for this project a grand success.

We are much thankful to the STAFF MEMBERS of mechanical engineering for their
kind suggestions for successful completion of this project.

We thank our beloved parents for providing a huge financial assistance to support our
project encouragement and blessings.

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO

3
 ABSTRACT 6

LIST OF FIGURERS 7

LIST OF TABLES 8

LIST OF SYMBOLS 9

1 INTRODUCTION 10

1.1 Seed Sowing Methods

1.2 Seed Drill

1.3 Planter

1.4 Different Type of Seeding Equipment

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 31

3 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATIONS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 Solution Methodology

4 DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR COMPONENTS 34

IN THE MACHINE

4 .1 Wheel

4.2 Frame

4.3 Hopper

4.4 Shaft

4.5 Ball Bearing

4.6 Rotator with Cup

4.7 Chain and Sprocket

5 CALCULATION OF SEED SPACING 40

6 FABRICATION PROCESS 41

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Metal Cutting

6.1.2 Welding

6.2 Manufacturing of machine parts

6.2.1 Frame

6.2.2 Hopper

6.2.3 Wheel

6.2.4 Rotator with Cup

6.3 Assembling

7 WORKING PRINCIPLE 45

8 ADVANTAGES 46

9 PHOTOGRAPH 47

10 CONCLUSION 49

11 REFERENCE 51

ABSTRACT

Modern era is marching towards the rapid growth

of all sectors including the agricultural sector. To meet the future food demands, the
farmers have to implement the new techniques which will not affect the soil texture but

5
will increase the overall crop production. This paper deals with the prototype of seed
sowing machine.

The Sowing machine should be suitable to all farms, all types of corps, robust
construction, also it should be reliable, and this is basic requirement of sowing machine.
Thus we made sowing machine which is operated manually but reduces the efforts of
farmers thus increasing the efficiency of planting also reduces the problem encountered
in manual planting.

For this machine we can plant different types and different sizes of seeds also we can
vary the space between two seeds while sowing. This also increased the sowing
efficiency and accuracy. We made it from raw materials thus it was so cheap and very
usable for small scale farmers. For effective handling of the machine by any farmer or by
any untrained worker we simplified its design. Also its adjusting and maintenance
method also simplified.
 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. FIGURE NAME PAGE NO.

1.1 Broadcasting 11
1.2 Dibbling 12
1.3 Seed dropping behind the plough 13
1.4 Transplanting 13
1.5 Fluted Roller Type 17
1.6 Internal Double Run 18
1.7 Cup Feed Mechanism 19
4.1 Wheel 34
4.2 Frame 35
4.3 Hopper 36
4.4 Shaft 37
4.5 Ball Bearing 38
4.6 Rotator with Cup 39
4.7 Chain Drive 39

5.1 Top view of seed sowing machine 40

6.1 Metal Cutting 41

6.2 Welding 42

6.3 Sheet Metal Work 42

6.4 Pipe Cutting 43

9.1 Front View 47

9.2 Top View 48

7
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO. TABLE NAME PAGE NO.
6.1 Cost estimation 45
8.1 Comparison between Manual, Tractor 47
and seed sowing machine
 LIST OF SYMBOLS
mm - millimeter
kg - kilogram
M1 - Mass of the shaft
M2 - Mass of the empty bowl
M3 - Mass of the ground nut
R - Length of the shaft
N - No of rotation

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 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

The India is agricultural country. More than 70% peoples depend on the
agriculture. To improve the economic condition of India, growth in the agricultural sector
is important. To achieve this goal efforts are necessary to reduce the cost of farming
process by mechanizing the agricultural operations.

Traditional methods include broadcasting, dibbling, drilling, opening

furrows by a country plough and dropping seeds by hand and dropping seeds in the
furrow through a bamboo/metal funnel attached to a country plough. For sowing in small
areas dibbling i.e., making holes or slits by a stick or tool and dropping seeds by hand, is
practiced. Multi row traditional seeding devices with manual metering of seeds are quite
popular with experienced farmers. In manual seeding, it is not possible to achieve
uniformity in distribution of seeds. A farmer may sow at desired seed rate but inter-row
and intra-row distribution of seeds is likely to be uneven resulting in bunching and gaps
in field.

The following are the limitations of Existing Machine:-

1. The Weight of the Machine is more.
2. Available for Tractors drive.
3. No Arrangement for seed bed preparation.
4. Improper compaction of soil over furrows.
5. Adjustment of row spacing is improper.
6. The cost of machine is more.

Seeding or sowing is an art of placing seeds in the soil to have good germination in
the field. A perfect seeding gives

a. Correct amount of seed per unit area.

b. Correct depth at which seed is placed in the soil.

c. Correct spacing between row-to-row and plant-to-plant.

1.1 Seed Sowing methods

1.1.1Broadcasting

Broadcasting is the process of random scattering of seed on the surface of

seedbeds. It can be done manually or mechanically both. When broadcasting is
done manually, uniformity of seed depends upon skill of the man. Soon after
broadcasting the seeds are covered by planking or some other devices. Usually
higher seed rate is obtained in this system. Mechanical broadcasters are used for
large-scale work. This machine scatters the seeds on the surface of the seedbed
at controlled rates.

Fig 1.1 Broadcasting

1.1.2 Dibbling
Dibbling is the process of placing and seeds in holes made in seedbed and
covering them. In this method, seeds are placed in holes make at definite depth
at fixed spacing. The equipment used for dibbling is called dibbler. It is a
conical instrument used to make proper holes in the field. Small hand dibblers
are made with several conical projections made in a frame. This is very time

11
 consuming process, so it is not suitable for small seeds. Mostly vegetables are
sown in this way.

Fig.1.2 Dibbling

1.1.3 Drilling

Drilling consists of dropping the seeds in furrow lines in a continuous

flow and covering them with soil. Seed metering may be done either manually
or mechanically. The number of rows planted may be one or more. This method
is very helpful in achieving proper depth, proper spacing and proper amount of
seed to be sown in the field. Drilling can be done by
(1) Sowing behind the plough
(2) Bullock drawn seed drills
(3) Tractor drawn seed drills.

1.1.4 Seed dropping behind the plough

It is very common method used in villages. It is used for seed like maize,
gram, peas, wheat and barley. A man drops seeds in the furrow behind the
plough. Sowing behind the plough can be done by a device known as
malobansa. It consists of a bamboo tube provided with a funnel shaped mouth.
One man drops the seeds through the funnel and other man handles the plough
and the bullocks. This is a slow and laborious method.
 Fig 1.3 Seed dropping behind the plough

1.1.5 Transplanting

Transplanting consists of preparing seedlings in nursery and then planting

these seedlings in the prepared field. It is commonly done for paddy, vegetable
and flowers. It is very time consuming operation. Equipment for placing plants
in the soil is called transplanter.

Fig 1.4 transplanting

1.1.6 Hill dropping
In this method, seeds are dropped at fixed spacing and not in a continuous
stream. Thus the spacing between plant to plant in a row is constant. In case of
drills, the seeds are dropped in continuous stream and the spacing between plant
to plant in a row is not constant.
1.1.7 Check row planting:
It is a method of planting, in which row-to-row and plant-to-plant distance is
uniform. In this method, seeds are planted precisely along straight parallel
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 furrows. The rows are always in two perpendicular directions. A machine used
for check row planting is called check row planter

The above sowing methods have the some disadvantages which are as follows:-
1. No control over the depth of seed placement.
2. No uniformity in the distribution of seed placement.
3. Loss of seeds.
4. No proper germination of seeds.
5. During Seed sowing, Placement of seeds at uneven depth may result in poor
emergence because subsequent rains bring additional soil cover over the seed and affect
plant emergence. 6. More labor requirement.
7. Time required for sowing is more.

1.2 SEED DRILL:

Seed drill is a machine for placing the seeds in a continuous flow in furrows
at uniform rate and at controlled depth with or without the arrangement of covering them
with soil.

1.2.1 Function of seed drill:

Seed drill performs the following functions

1. To carry the seeds.

2. To open furrow to an uniform depth.
3. To meter the seeds
4. To place the seed in furrows in an acceptable pattern
5. To cover the seeds and compact the soil around the seed.

1.2.2 Seed cum fertilizer drill:

Seed drills, fitted with fertilizer dropping attachment, distribute the fertilizer
uniformly on the ground. It is called seed cum fertilizer drill. Such a drill has a large seed
box which is dividend lengthwise into two compartments, one for seed and another for
fertilizers. Seed
drill may be classified as
(i) Bullock drawn
(ii) Tractor drawn.

1.2.3 COMPONENTS OF SEED DRILL:

A seed drill with mechanical seed metering device mainly consists of :

(i) Frame
(ii) Seed box
(iii) Seed metering mechanism
(iv) Furrow openers
(v) Covering device
(vi) Transport wheels.

1.2.3.1 Frame:
The frame is usually made of angle iron with suitable braces and brackets. The frame is
strong enough to withstand all types of loads in working condition.

1.2.3.2 Seed box:

may be made of mild steel sheet or galvanized iron with a suitable cover. A small agitator
is sometimes provided to prevent clogging of seeds.

1.2.3.3 Covering device:

It is a device to refill a furrow after the seed has been placed in it. Covering the seeds are
usually done by patta, chains, drags, packers, rollers or press wheels, designed in various
sizes and shapes.

1.2.3.4 Transport Wheel

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There are two wheels fitted on the main axle. Some seed drills have got pneumatic
wheels also. The wheels have suitable attachments to transmit power to operate seed
dropping mechanism.

1.2.3.5 SEED METERING MECHANISM:

The mechanism of a seed drill or fertilizer distributor which delivers seeds or fertilizers
from the hopper at selected rates is called seed metering mechanism.

Seed metering mechanism may be of several types:

(a) Fluted feed type

(b) Internal double run type
(c) Cup feed type
(d) Cell feed mechanism
(e) Brush feed mechanism
(f) Auger feed mechanism
(g) Picker wheel mechanism
(h) Star wheel mechanism.

a) Fluted feed type:

It is a seed metering device with adjustable fluted

roller to collect and deliver the seeds into the seed tube. Fluted feed type mechanism
consists of a fluted wheel, feed roller, feed cut-off and adjustable gate for different sizes
of grains. (Fig.1.5). the feed roller and the feed cut-off device are mounted a shaft,
running through the feed cups. The roller carries grooves throughout its periphery. It
rotates with the axle over which it is mounted throws the grains out on the adjustable gate
from where it falls into the seed tube. The fluted rollers which are mounted at the bottom
of the seed box receive seeds into longitudinal grooves and pass on to the seed tube
through the holes provided for this purpose. By shifting the fluted wheel sideways, the
length of the grooves exposed to the seed can be increased or decreased and hence the
amount of seed is controlled.

Fig 1.5 Fluted roller type

b) Internal double run type:

It is a seed metering device in which the feed

wheel is provided with fine and coarse ribbed flanges. It consists of discs, mounted on a
spindle and housed in a casing fitted below the seed box (Fig. 1.6). It has double faced
wheel. Internal double-run type roller one face has a larger opening for larger seeds and
the other face has smaller opening for smaller seeds. A gate is provided in the bottom-of
the box to cover the opening not in use. The rate of seeding is varied by adjusting the
speed of the spindle which carries the discs.

Fig 1.6 Internal double run

c) Cup feed mechanism

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 It is a mechanism consisting of cups or
spoons on the periphery of a vertical rotating disc which picks up the seeds from the
hopper and delivers them into the seed tubes. It consists of a seed hopper which has two
parts. The upper one is called grain box and the lower one is called feed box. The seed
delivery mechanism consists of a spindle, carrying a number of discs with a ring of cups
attached to the periphery of each disc (Fig. 1.7). The spindle with its frame and
attachment is called seed barrel. When the spindle rotates, one disc with its set of cups
rotates and picks up few seeds and drops them into small hoppers. The cups have two
faces, one for larger seeds and the rate at which the seed barrel revolves. This type of
mechanism is common on British seed drills.

Fig 1.7 Cup feed mechanism

d) Cell feed mechanism

It is a mechanism in which seeds are collected

and delivered by a series of equally spaced cells on the periphery of a circular plate or
wheel.

e) Brush feed mechanism

It is a mechanism in which a rotating brush

regulates the flow of seed from the hopper. A number of bullock drawn planters in the
country have Brush feed mechanism.
f) Auger feed mechanism

It is a distributing mechanism, consisting of an

auger which causes a substance to flow evenly in the field, through an aperture at the
base or on the side of the hopper. Many of the fertilizer drills on the country have got
Auger feed mechanism.

g) Picker wheel mechanism

It is a mechanism in which a vertical plate is

provided with radically projected arms, which drop the large seeds like potato in furrows
with the help of suitable jaws.

h) Star wheel mechanism

It is a feed mechanism which consists of a toothed

wheel, rotating in a horizontal plane and conveying the fertilizer through a feed gate
below the Star wheel.

1.2.4 FURROW OPENERS

The furrow openers are provided in a seed drill

for opening a furrow. The seed tube conducts the seed from the feed mechanism into the
boot from where they fall into the furrows.

1.2.4.1 Type of Furrow Openers

Different type of furrow openers is:

(1) Shovel type

(2) Shoe type

(3) Disc Type (single disc, double disc).

(1) Shovel Type:-

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 Shovel type furrow opener are widely used in
seed drills. There are three of shovels in use. They are:

(a) Reversible shovel

(b) Single point shovel and

(c) Spear point shovel.

Shovel type openers are best suited for stony or root infested fields. These shovels are
bolted to the flat iron shanks at the point where boots are fitted which carry the end of the
seed tubes. In order to prevent shock loads due to obstructions, springs are provided. It is
easy in construction, cheaper and easily repairable. It is very common with usual seed
drill.

(2) Shoe Type:-

It works well in trashy soils where the seed beds

are not smoothly prepared. They are made from two flat pieces of steel welded together
to form a cutting edge. It is specially suited for black cotton soil. Shoe is made of carbon
steel having minimum carbon content of 0.5 per cent with a minimum thickness of 4 mm.

(3) Disc Type:-

They are two types: (a) Single disc type and

(b) Double disc type.

a) Single disc type:

It is furrow opener consisting of one concave disc. Disc type furrow openers
are found suitable where plant debris or trash mulches are used.

b) Double disc type:

 In double disc type furrow opener there are two flat discs, set at an angle to
each other. It is suitable for trashy lands. Seed drills attached with tractors having high
speeds, usually use this type of furrow opener.

The furrow opener consists of:

1. Tine

2. Shovel

3. Seed tube

4. Boot for seed and fertilizer

Shovel:

It is made of carbon steel having carbon content of 0.5 per cent and a
minimum thickness of 4.0 mm.

Seed tube:

It is a tube which carries the seeds from the metering device to the boot. Seed
tubes are provided at the lowest lines through suitable boots and furrow openers. The
minimum diameter of seed tube is 25 mm.

Boot:

It is a part of the sowing machine which conveys the seeds or fertilizers from
the delivery tube to the furrow. It is bolted or welded to the tine.

1.3 PLANTER

Planter is normally used for those seeds which are

larger in size and cannot be used by usual seed drills.
A planter consists of:
(i) hopper
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(ii) feed metering device
(iii) knock out arrangement
(iv) cut-off mechanism
(v) furrow opener and
(vi) other accessories.
A planter has seed hopper for each row.

1.3.1 Seed metering device in a planter:

There are a number of seed metering devices in a planter but the most common
device consist of a rotating plate at the bottom of seed hoppers. In some planters, vertical
rotors as well as inclined rotors are also used. The most common is the horizontal seed
plate used in planters. The horizontal seed plates have got suitable notches or holes
called cell. Depending upon the type of notches on the plates, it is of three types.

1.3.1.1 Edge drop

The edge drop carries the seed on edge in the cell of the plate.

1.3.1.2 Flat drop

The flat drop carries the seed on a flat in the cell of the plate.

1.3.1.3 Hill drop

In hill drop, the cells round the edge of the plate are large enough to admit several seeds
at a time. Planter is usually used for those seeds which are required to be sown at equal
intervals between plants to plant.

1.3.2 Manual Rice Planter:

It is used for transplanting of paddy seedlings. The unit consists of skid frame,
movable tray and seed picking fingers. Mat type seedlings are placed on the inclined
trays. When the fingers are pushed downward they pick up the seedlings and place them
 in the ground. Seedlings are left on the ground during return stroke. The plant to plant
spacing can be controlled by the opener. It may be 5-6 rows with comb type finger. Its
working capacity may be 0.2 – 0.25 ha/8 hrs.

1.3.3 Rice Transplanter:

The rice transplanter consists of

I. Air cooled gasoline engine

II. Main clutch
III. Running clutch
IV. Planting clutch
V. Seeding table
VI. Float
VII. Star wheel
VIII. Accelerator lever
IX. Ground wheel
X. Handle
XI. Four bar linkage mechanism

Seedlings:

Growing of seedlings for this transplanter is most technical and difficult work.
Seedlings are grown in special seedling trays. It is called mat seedling. Mat seedlings
are grown by some standard procedure in controlled environment in a nursery.

1.3.4 Operation:

The seedlings are raised in special trays as mat seedlings. The mat seedlings are
placed on the seeding table of the transplanter in slanting position. When the engine is
started, the running clutch and planting clutch are operated. Four bar linkage mechanism
is there to catch 3 or 4 seedlings at a time and to separate them from the mat and fix in
23
the puddled soil. A float is there to support the machine on the water while working in
the field. There are two ground wheels made of iron for facilitating the movement of the
transplanter. There is a marker also which demarcates the transplanting width while in
operation. Power from the engine goes to the main clutch from where it is divided into
two routes, one goes to planting clutch and the other goes to running clutch. Unless
planting clutch is operated, the four bar linkage mechanism does not work. The engine is
of about 1.2 to 1.8 HP only. The machine maintains row to row spacing of 28 cm to 30
cm and plant spacing of 14 cm to 16 cm only. The planting capacity of the machine is
about 0.05 to 0.1 hectare per hour.

1.3.5 Calibration of seed drill:

The procedure of testing the seed drill for correct seed rate is called calibration of
seed drill. It is necessary to calibrate the seed drill before putting it in actual use to find
the desired seed rate. It is done to get the pre determined seed rate of the machine. The
following steps are followed for calibration of seed drill.

1.3.6 Procedure:

i. Determine the nominal width (W) of seed drill W = M x S,

Where, M= Number of furrow openers, and
S = Spacing between the openers, m

ii. Find the length of the strip (L) having nominal width (W) necessary to cover 1/25 ha
(1/25 x10000 m2), L = 400/W, meter

iii. Determine the number of revolutions (N) of the ground wheel of the seed drill
required to cover the length of the strip (L):

L = Π x D x N = 400/W

N = 400/Π x D x W revolutions per minute

iv. Jack the seed drill so that the ground wheels turn freely. Make a mark on the drive
wheel and a corresponding mark at a convenient place on the body of the drill to help in
counting the revolutions of the ground wheel

v. Fill the selected seed in the seed hopper. Place a container under each boot for
collecting the seeds dropped from the hopper

vi. Set the seed rate control adjustment for maximum position and mark this position on
the control for reference

vii. Engage the clutch and rotate the ground wheel for N = 400/Πx D x N, revolutions per
minute

viii. Weigh the quantity of seed collected in the container and record the observation.

ix. Calculate the seed rate in kg/ha

x. If the calculated seed rate is higher or lower than the desired rate of selected crop,
repeat the process by adjusting the seed rate control adjustment till the desired seed rate is
obtained.

The overall aim is to put the seeds and fertilizer in

a common row at the desired depth and spacing, cover the seeds with soil and provide
proper compaction over the seed. Saving the cost of operation and time, labor and energy
are other advantages to be derived. The modified seed sowing machine can sow seeds at
equal distance. The machine is simple and less contain complicated mechanisms this
makes the machine more efficient and beneficial to farmer. So there is scope to make
machine which can perform the following operations with

 Minimum cost.
 Seed sowing with proper distance between two seeds
 Reduce human effort

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1.4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEEDING EQUIPMENTS:

1.4.1 ROTARY DIDDLER:

The rotary dibbler is a manually operated push

type device for dibbling of medium and bold size seeds. It consists of a rotating dibbling
head with penetrating jaws, covering-cum-transport heel, seed hopper with cell type
wooden roller and a handle. Except seed roller, which is made of good quality wood, all
the other parts are fabricated from mild steel. The number of jaws varies from five to
eight among various designs, depending upon seed to seed distance. For its operation, the
hopper is filled with seeds and transport-cum covering wheel is drawn to rear side. The
dibbler is then pushed forward in the direction of travel with covering cum transport
wheel behind the dibbling head. The jaws penetrate into the soil and automatically drop
the seeds.

1.4.2 MANUAL SEED AND FERTILIZER DRILL:

This is a small manually operated single row seed

cum fertilizer drill in which fluted roller metering mechanism is provided. A ground
wheel is provided to drive the metering rollers. Seed and fertilizer are stored in a small
hopper and a long beam is provided by which the implement could be pulled by one
operator. Another worker guides the machine. Due to the provision of fluted rollers, it is
suited for drilling soybean maize, pigeon pea, sorghum, green gram, Bengal gram, wheat
etc. Shoe type furrow openers are provided for easy operation.

1.4.3 MANUAL OILSEED DRILL:

The equipment consists of a seed box attached to

the main frame of a hand wheel hoe. A fluted roller assembly is provided at the bottom of
the seed box. Fluted roller is rotated with the help of chain and sprockets from the ground
wheel. The seed rate can be adjusted with the help of a lever provided on the seed box.
The fluted roller used for sowing rape seed and mustard has 8 flutes. Each flute is 3 mm
wide and 2 mm deep. The diameter of the fluted roller is 50 mm and its length, 32mm.
For operation, the machine is pulled by rope attached to the hook of machine by one man
and other person steers the machine by holding it by the handle.

1.4.4 ANIMAL DRAWN SEED CUM FERTILIZER DRILL:

It is a low cost line-sowing device in which the

seed and fertilizer -are metered by the operator. The rate of metering depends upon the
skill of the operator. Tiphan refers to three row sowing device. The drill consists of a
frame made of mild steel box iron sections. The furrow openers, funnels for feeding seed
and fertilizer, hoses for connecting funnels with pipes mounted on furrow openers, hitch
assembly and handle are mounted on this frame. The distance between the rows can be
adjusted by moving the furrow openers. For operation, the seeds and fertilizer are fed by
the operator manually in the funnels, which flow to the bottom of the furrow openers and
in the boot attached to the rear of shank respectively. Since the drill does not have a
separate hopper, seeds have to be carried separately in a bag slung on the shoulder or the
back of the operator.

1.4.5 ANIMAL DRAWN SINGLE TYNE SEED CUM FERTI DRILL:

It is a single row line-seeding device drawn by a

pair of bullocks. The drill consists, of a channel section made from flat iron and bent to
the required profile, a shoe type furrow opener having wings under the frame, hitch
assembly made of flat iron, handle attached to U section frame, funnels for feeding seeds
and fertilizers and steel pipes for connecting the funnel to the shoe. The beam for
connecting to the yoke can be adjusted with the help of multiple holes provided in the
frame. For operation the seed drill is drawn by a pair of bullock and the seed and fertilizer
are placed by the operator in the respective funnels. Since the drill does not have a

27
separate hopper, seed shave to be carried separately in a bag slung on the shoulder or the
back of the operator.

1.4.6 ANIMAL DRAWN TOOL FRAME FOR SEEDING:

It is an attachment made for the bullock drawn

CIAE multipurpose tool frame. The seeding attachment is suitable for sowing wheat,
gram, pea, soybean, sorghum and pigeon pea. It can apply granular fertilizers like urea,
DAP and Grow more. The hopper has compartments for fertilizer and seed and the
ground wheel is a floating type thus enabling uniform seed placement even when the soil
surface is not properly leveled. Separate side wheels allow accurate adjustment of the
seed drill attachment and are also useful for transportation. It saves 73 per cent labor and
operating time and 55 per cent on cost of operation compared to conventional method of
sowing behind country plough or seeding by broadcasting. It also results in 10 to 18 per
cent increase in yield compared to sowing by conventional method.

1.4.7 MULTI PURPOSE SEEDING EQUIPMENT:

This equipment consists of cylindrical shape

container in which the seeds can fill. The capacity of this container is up to 10kgs to
12kgs. The container is attached on the four wheeled carrier assembly. The wheels made
up with polymer material, container having a metering plate with easily fasinable with
Allen keys, metering plate rotate in container, bottom of the container having a two hole
and metering plate has number of holes depend on size of seed. The plate will rotate in
container when the bottom holes of container and meter plate hole coincide seeds will
flow through pipe to soil. Here the metering plate gets rotating motion by bevel gear
assembly and the bevel gears get the motion by rear wheels with the help chain and
sprocket assembly. The working principle of this machine is very simple and requires
only one man to operate. It is a double row-seeding device suitable for sowing different
crops. Seeding is accomplished by just pushing the device in a pre- established furrow.
The sowing operation is to put the seed in desired depth and seed to seed spacing, when
the machine is pushed, with the help of metering plate the seeds are feed in to the ground
at correct rate and distance. Here the metering plate rotates in anticlockwise direction and
which get a rotating motion with the help of rear wheels connected through chain
sprocket, chain and bevel gear assembly. The arrangement made in such a way that we
can control the depth of sowing. With the help of this machine the formers can save lot of
labor cost.

Chapter 2

A LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Munir Ahmad et al. (1994) conducted experiment on development and adaption of

no-till technology for sowing wheat. They concluded that direct drilling of wheat in rice
stubble has great potential in rice-wheat zone of Punjab, Pakistan. This technique is
equivalent to conventional practices in regard to wheat yield when the crop is sown at the
same time, and economical in terms of resource use. This technique allows the sowing of
wheat about 24 days earlier (time required for conventional tillage operation), which
results in higher yield 24 percent as compared tillage conventional practices. The low-
cost drill designed and developed at the field machine indexes technically as well as
economically suitable to the local conditions of Pakistan. Its price is about Rs. 20,000
(US$800) as compared to Rs. 1, 50,000 (US$6,000) and Rs. 50,000 (US$2,000) for
Aitchison and DESCON drill, respectively. It is lighter in weight and can be easily
operated with commonly available 34 kW (45hp) tractors. A farmer can achieve benefit

29
of Rs. 2, 500/ha (US$100/ha) by using the no-till technology, and if 60 per cent of wheat
in paddy-wheat zone of Punjab would be sown by direct drilling. About 38.6 million l of
diesel fuel, worth Rs. 231.6 million can be saved annually.

2. Tahir Wahid et al. (2003) conducted experiment on scope of zero till seed cum
fertilizer drill in dry land wheat crop production in Kashmir valley. They concluded that
there was significant difference in the bulk density under zero tillage and conventional
tillage system. More depletion of soil moisture by the crop at harvesting stage was
observed in zero- tillage system in comparison to conventional tillage system. Better
germination and tillers were observed under zero tillage system due to proper moisture at
sowing time. The grain yield was found almost equal under both the system. The energy
requirement and cost of operation were 4.45 and 3.65 times lesser in zero tillage as
compared to conventional tillage system, respectively.

3. Vatsa and Sukhbir Singh (2010) conducted experiment on sowing methods with
different seed drills for mechanizing mountain farming. They concluded that the effective
field capacities were 0.039, 0.036, 0.120, 0.035, and 0.024 ha/h with field efficiency of
65.2, 63.3, 69.1, 65.1, and 57.4 with manual seed drill, manual multi crop planter, power
tiller multi crop planter, dropping seed behind hand plough and sowing behind animal
plough, respectively. The labour requirement was higher for hand plough and sowing
behind plough than that of seed drills. The cost of operation was 2-4 times lower by using
seed drills and planters. The yield of wheat was significantly higher than with seed drills
and planters compared to the traditional method. Due to more fatigue, it was suggested
that power operated equipment was better than manual operated method for sowing.
 Chapter 3
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
The following steps are to be taken to identify the problem
 The first step is to go to the farmers and find the problems faced by them.
 The second step is to choose a problem.
 The third step is to collection of data regarding the seed sowing and
planting by farmer interview and literature review.

The drawbacks of existing machines are:

a. The spacing between two seeds are uneven.
b. It requires more than two operators.
c. Flow rate of seeds are not controllable.
After the field visits and literature review we are concluded to work on seed
planter machine which nullify the previous machines drawbacks.

3.2 SOLUTION METHODOLOGY:

For finding the solution of problem we studied different types of
mechanism which is useful and preferable to reduce human effort and above existing
machine problems. After comparing the various mechanism and there feasibility we are
decided to use rotator mechanism for seed metering. In existing seed sowing machines
impellers are used for seed metering. After that the seed planting machine model is

31
developed by using CREO 4.0 software. This model is modified by analyzing the various
factors like weight of machine assembly, speed of the movement, bending moment of the
rod and seed spacing . After that the model is fabricated and field tests are performed.

Chapter 4
Description of Major Components in the Machine
It consist of
1. Wheel
2. Frame
3. Hopper
4. Shaft
5. Ball Bearing
6. Rotator with cup
7. Sprocket and Chain.

4.1 Wheel:

 Wheel is used to drive the machine through the human power. So that, the
result is liner motion of the machine.
 Wheel is made up of mild steel material.
 Dimensions of wheel
Major diameter of the wheel is 172.4 mm
Disc diameter of the wheel is 152.4 mm
Length of the rod of the wheel is 60 mm
 Fig 4.1 Wheel
4.2 Frame:
 The main purpose of frame is holding the machine pats especially hopper.
 The hopper is mounted on the rear end of the frame.
 At the side ends of the frame, ball bearing is attached through the welding.
 Here, frame is made up of angle rod.
 Frame is made up of mild steel.
 Dimensions of the frame
 Length of the frame is 610.8 mm (2 feet)
 Width of the frame is 397.02 mm (1.3 feet)
 Height of the frame is 25 mm

Fig 4.2 Frame

33
4.3 Hopper
 The main purpose of the hopper is carrying the seeds. Here, hopper is split
into two parts.
- First part is used to carrying the seeds.
- Another part is used to collect the seeds in to the field through pipe.

The splitting is done by attaching the plates (two plates are used) at centre of
the hopper.

 Hopper is made up of sheet metal.

 Dimensions of the hopper
 Thickness of the sheet metal= 2mm
 Length = 250 mm
 Width = 100 mm
 Height = 160 mm

4.4 Shaft
 A shaft is a rotating element, usually circular in cross section, which is
used to transmit power from one part to another part, or from a machine which
produces power to a machine which absorbs power.

Here, there are 2 shafts are used at various sizes. One big shaft is
connected between wheels and another one small is connected between bearing and
rotator.
Dimensions:
(i) Big Shaft:
Diameter = 65 mm
Length = 400 mm
(ii) Small Shaft:
Diameter= 12 mm
Length = 180 mm
Here, both shaft are made by Mild Steel

Fig. 11 Shaft
4.5 Ball Bearing:
A ball bearing is a type of rolling element bearing that uses balls to maintain
the separation between the bearing races.
35
 The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial
and axial loads. It achieves this by using at least three races to contain the balls and
transmit the loads through the balls. In most applications, one race is stationary and
other is attached to the rotating assembly (e.g., a hub or shaft). As one of the bearing
races rotates it causes the balls to rotate as well. Because the balls are rolling they
have a much lower coefficient of friction than if two flat surfaces were sliding against
each other
Here, there are six ball bearings are used at different sizes. The size may be
depends on shaft dimensions.

Fig.4.5 Ball Bearing

4.6 Rotator with cup:
Dimensions:
 Outside diameter of cup = 28 mm
 inside diameter of cup = 22 mm
 Diameter of rotator =100 mm
 Width of rotator = 30 mm
4.7 Chain drive:

Chain drive is a way of transmitting mechanical power from one

Place to another. It is often used to convey power to the wheels of a vehicle,
particularly bicycles and motorcycles. It is also used in a wide variety of machines
besides vehicle.

Most often, the power is conveyed by a roller chain, known as the drive
chain (or) transmission chain, passing over a sprocket gear, with the teeth of the
gear meshing with the holes in the links of the chain.

Fig. 4.7 Chain Drive

Chapter 5
Calculation of seed spacing
37
Shaft Rotator
Cup

Fig.5.1 top view of seed sowing machine

Force,
F = MV2 / R
Where,
F = (M1+M2+M) x g
(M1+M2+M) x g = MV2 / R …………………… 1
Where,
M1= Mass of the support, Kg
M2=Mass of the empty bowl, Kg
M= Mass of the seeds, Kg
R= Radius of support to centre, mm.
V= Velocity of seed Sowing machine, mm/s.

Chapter 6
FABRICATION PROCESS
6.1 Introduction:
 To make seed sowing machine, we are mainly using two process.
a. Metal cutting
b. Welding
6.1.1 Metal Cutting:
Metal cutting is the process of removing unwanted material in the form of chip,
from a block of metal, using cutting tool.
6.1.2 Welding:
Welding is a fabrication of sculptural process that materials, usually metals (or)
thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool
causing fusion. Welding is distinct from lower temperature metal-joining techniques such
as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal
In addition to melting the base metal, a filler material is typically added to the joint
to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to form a joint that, based on
weld configuration (butt, full penetration, fillet, etc), can be stronger than the base
material (parent metal). Pressure may also use in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to
produce a weld. Welding also requires a form of shield to protect the filler metals or
melted metals from being contaminated 0r oxidized.
1.2 Manufacturing of Parts:
6.2.1 Frame
For the frame manufacturing we select the angle plate of 25*25*3 mm of material
M.S. As per design angle plate is cut by electric cutting machine and welded by welding
machine.

Fig .6.1 Metal Cutting

39
 Fig.6.2 Welding
6.2.2 Hopper
G.I sheet material is selected for hopper and hopper is designed in such a way that
it can handle of 2kg capacity seeds. We cut the sheet on shearing machine as per the
design. Hoppers are then manufactured by folding process. At the bottom of the hopper a
circle type outlet is prepared for the flow of seeds.

Fig.6.3 Sheet Metal folding

6.2.3 Wheel
The main parts of the wheel is Disc and Rod, both are directly available in market.
Both disc and rod is joined by welding process as per the design requirement. For
fabrication of wheel we are using electric arc welding.

6.2.4 Rotator with Cup

 Rotator is a cylinder type, it is available in market. Here, we are only fabricating
the cup by cutting the metal pipe as per the required design by using electric cutting
machine. Then, cup is joined to peripheral surface of the rotator by using welding
process.

Fig.6.4 pipe cutting

6.3 Assembling:
1. The first step in assembling is shaft is attached between two wheels. Here, ball
bearing attached to the shaft.
2. Frame is attached to the ball bearing. It is done by welding process.
3. Hopper is attached to the frame through bolt and nut.
4. Cup is attached to the peripheral surface of the rotator, through shaft rotator is
attached in the hopper.
5. Another frame is attached to the back end of the machine as a vertical frame with
this locomotive mechanisms links is attached.
6. The power is transmitted from wheel to rotator through chain drive. So that
sprockets are attached to the corresponding shaft and chain is connected between
them.
Cost estimation:
S No. Components Quantity Amount
1 Angle rod 1- 500
41
2 Ball bearing 1 100
3. Disc 6” diameter – 4 600
No’s
4 Chain 1 150
5 Sprocket 1 300
6 Sheet metal 1 1300
7 Shaft 65mm – 1 No’s 284
12mm – 1 No’s
8 Circular Rod 1 150
9 Ms Pipe 30mm dia 400
10 Ms Disc 1 300
11 Labor cost 1800
12 Total 5884

Table 6.1 cost estimation

Chapter 7
WORKING PRINCIPLE
The working of the seed sowing machine is described as follows:
When the force applied by the farmer on the handle of the seed
sowing machine then the wheels are move towards forward direction. The wheels start to
rotate with some specific rotation. Wheels are mounted on the metallic rod which is also
rotates in the direction of wheels.
Also the sprockets are mounted on the metallic rod which transmits the rotating motion of
the wheel to the shaft of the rotator. Here, the chain drive is used to smooth transmission
of the motion of the wheel to the rotator.
Here, rotator having the cup on the peripheral surface. Due to this arrangement, it is
capable of collecting and dropping the seeds from one part of hopper to another part. The
volume of seeds and seed flow rate is depends on velocity of seed sowing machine.
7.1 Steps involved in the seed sowing process:

Fill the seed hopper with seeds

Pull the Seed Sowing Machine

Seed drop from the hopper to the

field via tubes

Chapter 8
ADVANTAGES

S PARAMETERS MANUAL TRACTOR SEED SOWING

NO MACHINE

1 Sowing technique manually Automatically Automatically

2 Distance Between The Not Fixed Fixed Fixed but change

43
 Seed able

3 Wastage of Seed Moderate More Less

4 Pollution No More No

5 Cost Less Very High Very Less

6 Required Energy High Very High High

7 Man Power More Moderate Less

Table 8.1 Comparison between Manual, Tractor and Seed sowing machin

 Cost is low.
 Robust construction
 Maintenance is very easy.
 It is very useful to sow all types of seeds.
 Pollution free machine.
 Easy to control seed flow rate.

Chapter 9
PHOTOGRAPH
9.1 Front View

45
9.2 Side View

Chapter 10
 CONCLUSION
We have developed a seed
sowing machine which will meet the farmer requirements using the determined
engineering specifications. The following is a final summary of what we did and how we
want about it.

Stability, comfort and hand control were determined to be the most important
requirements. All these requirements have been used in developing our concepts and
have been implemented in our model.

We developed and followed through with a fabrication plan that produced a working
product. This plan gave a detailed description of the process needed if our work is to be
replicated. The final design has been broken down into five subsections: Frame, rotator,
Hopper, transmission system and loco motive mechanism. We created each of these sub
sections separate in the machine shop and fabricated these. We then assembled these
sections together and created our final model.

FINAL SCOPE

It is necessary to give top

priority for safety operation, Cost reduction and also improve the strength of the machine
members such as dibber. Presently, full focus is given only to design modification in seed
metering mechanism which is bene ficial to the small farmers. At
present, seed metering mechanism is used for sowing different types of seeds with single
metering mechanism. In future further study is needed to use separate metering
mechanism for every seeds. Thus, we can increase the value of the machine in future. By
using electrical drive, the machine can be made automatic just like an automobile which
can faster the work of seed planting. It can be also used for planting as well as fertilizer
sowing. In future, it is possible to use the electronic operated solenoid valve to maintain

47
the seed flow rate. It is time operated valve. Also we will use level sensors to know the
level of seeds and maintain it.

Chapter 11

References
1. D. Ramesh, H P Grishkumar “Agricultural Seed Sowing Equipment” International
Journal Of Science, Engineering And Technology Research, Volume 3, Issue 7,
July 2017.
2. Prop. Kolgire S.G “Solar Seed Sowing Machine” International Journal Of
Scientific Research And Development, Volume 3, Issue 11, 2016.
3. Prop Swapnil Umale “Multi Seed Sowing Machine” International Journal Os
Advance Engineering Research and Development, Volume 5, Special Issue 06,
April 2008.
4. Pradip S.Gunavant “Farm Mechanization By Using Seed Planting Machine”
International Advanced Research Journal In Science, Engineering And Technology
Volume 4, Special Issue 1, June 2017.
5. Roshan V Marode “Design & Implementation Of Multi Seed Sowing Machine”
International Journal Of Mechanical Engineering & Robotics Research, Volume 2,
Issue No 4, October 2013.
6. Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeath “Assessment of Seed Cum Fertilizer
Drill For Wheat Sowing After Paddy Harvesting” International Journal Of
Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 6, June 2015.
7. Suraj V.Upadhayaya “A Review of Agricultural Seed Sowing” International
Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering & Technology, Volume 6,
Issue 4, April 2017.

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