We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Ergonomic evaluation of hand tools used in grape pruning activities in vineyards.
- Authors
Thiyagarajan, R.; Surendrakumar, A.; Palaniselvam, V.
- Abstract
Grape farming is a labour-intensive operation, with pruning as one of the tasks performed with hand tools. Most of the tropical countries use locally made and commercially available hand pruning tools for grape pruning. Different pruning tools used in India were selected for ergonomic evaluation and refinement was made based on the physiological responses of the subjects. The comparison between the commercially available Economy tool (M2), Maharashtra tool (L1) and Karnataka tool (L2) model pruner shows that the model Economy tool (M2) gives better performance. Economy tool (M2) model is highly preferred by the grape farmers due to its high performance and more comfort than Maharashtra tool (L1) and Karnataka tool (L2) model. This is due to standard material, shape of the pruner slightly bent for easy handling. The physiological responses were measured and compared between the ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) and other selected pruning tools. Ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) registered lower values for heart rate, oxygen consumption, energy expenditure when compared to other selected pruning tools. It was also observed that cutting frequency and area coverage for selected pruning tool varies from 11 to 24 cuts/min and 750 to 1350 M2/h. Ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) registered 24 cuts/min and 1350 M2/h when compared with other pruning tools. A full hand loop was fitted below the lower handle to improve grip and uniformly apply force throughout the pruning operation, resulting in increased area coverage and frequency of cut.
- Subjects
INDIA; PRUNING; VINEYARDS; HEART beat; OXYGEN consumption; GRAPES
- Publication
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2021, Vol 23, Issue 3, p290
- ISSN
0972-1045
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.51