Design and Development of Sitting Type Coconut Palm Climbing Device – “Kera Suraksha Coconut Climber”

Design and Development of Sitting Type Coconut Palm Climbing Device – “Kera Suraksha Coconut Climber”

Authors

  • U. Jaikumaran Kerala Agricultural University
  • Shyla Joseph Kerala Agricultural University
  • P. S. Preman Kerala Agricultural University
  • C. Unnikrishnan Kerala Agricultural University
  • K. J. Jitha Kerala Agricultural University
  • C. J. Joseph Kerala Agricultural University

Keywords:

Climbing device, Coconut palm, Lower unit ergonomic evaluation, Upper unit

Abstract

Coconut climbing is considered as a traditional job of some backward communities in Kerala. The height of bearing coconut palm varies from 2 to 30 m. Climbing of coconut palm is difficult due to the height and non branching nature of the palm. Only a professional climber with proper training and skill is able to climb coconut palm. Due to the risk involved, people are not coming forward for climbing job and those who do claim high service charge. In order to overcome this situation, a sitting type coconut palm climbing device was designed and developed. Made of mild steel, it weighed 9.35 kg. Its field performance and ergonomic evaluation were conducted. The total time taken by the operator to climb a 12 m height palm using the developed climbing device was 3.16 minutes. The angle of inclination of the upper metal wire rope, lower metal wire rope and seat with horizontal was found to be below the safe value of 400. The strength of wire rope used was tested for breakage and found fit. The bearing capacity of the materials and climbing device as a whole was found to be 165 kg and did not shown any failure. This device could easily be operated by any unskilled person and safety of the operator is assured during climbing. 

Author Biographies

U. Jaikumaran, Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University

Shyla Joseph, Kerala Agricultural University

Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy

P. S. Preman, Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University

C. Unnikrishnan, Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University

K. J. Jitha, Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University

C. J. Joseph, Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University

References

Edacheri,Dileep., Kumar,Sudhindra.andUnakal,Prakash. (2011). “Design of a coconut tree climbing device”,J. SAS Tech.10,Vol.2, pp.87-94.

George, M Bincy R., Rao, S Muddanna, Kumar A., Suvarna, N., D’souza,JS.,(2012). “Health of coconut Tree climber of Rural Southern India-Medical Emergencies, Body Mass Index and occupational Marks: A Quantitative and survey study”. J.ClinDiagn. Res.Vol.6 (1)pp. 57-60.

Kroemer, K.H.E., Kroemer,H.J. and Kroemer, K.E.-Elbert.(1997). “Engineering physiology”. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

Mohankumar, A.P., Anantha Krishnan,D. and Kathrivel,K. (2013). “Development of ergo refined coconut tree climbing device”. African journal of Agricultural Research Vol.8(44) pp.5530-5537.

www.nhb.gov.in

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Published

31-03-2017

How to Cite

Jaikumaran, U., Joseph, S., Preman, P. S., Unnikrishnan, C., Jitha, K. J., & Joseph, C. J. (2017). Design and Development of Sitting Type Coconut Palm Climbing Device – “Kera Suraksha Coconut Climber”. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 54(2), 136. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/423

Issue

Section

Regular papers

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