JAVA TEA CUTTER JT 430 PRUNING MACHINE      

KAAZ JAVA TEA CUTTER

With constant increase in cost as well as gradually decreasing availability of labour in Tea Plantations, the need for mechanization in various field operations has become imminent. STEELSWORTH has carried out Field surveys over the last few years and have realized that while planters are reluctant to use mechanized plucking aids due to obvious disadvantages there are other field activities, which can be mechanized to a great extent.

Pruning is one of the areas identified for such mechanization. With this aim a Power Pruner was modified and adapted to suit pruning of tea bushes. After extensive Research and field trials with their overseas collaborators STEELSWORTH has launched a simple, easy to operate and highly cost effective mechanized pruning device.

This equipment comprises of a hardened alloy steel pruning cutter revolving at a high speed of 6000 RPM powered by a small petrol engine of 43cc. It has a long sturdy stem for proper access of cutter end of the stem to the entire area of the bush. It is carried around the shoulders of one person. 

From various field trials it has been found that productivity due to the machine is enhanced by at least 5 times compared to the manual method. This results in large savings in cost, helps in completing pruning process in shortest possible time and to overcome labour shortage during the period.

STEELSWORTH has successfully demonstrated this machine in Dooars and South Indian areas during the last few pruning seasons in association with their overseas collaborator and T.R.A. A demonstration on Pruning was recently carried out in all the major plantation districts of South India as well as by UPASI. The results were so impressive that all companies have come forward to try out in a larger scale.

Besides Indian domestic market STEELSWORTH has demonstrated this equipment in Sri Lanka recently in a Tea Seminar organized by the Company and the Sri Lankan planters appeared more than keen to try out.

With such encouraging result and all around response, this product seems to have a great future and an important tool in the hands of a planter with a vision of the future.

Field Trial of Kaaz Pruning Machine

COMPARISON OF COSTS BETWEEN MANUAL & MACHINE

PRUNING HEIGHT	TIME TAKEN FOR PRUNING 100 BUSHES	TIME TAKEN FOR PRUNING 10000 BUSHES (APPROX ONE HECTARE)	OIL CONSUMPTION FOR PRUNING 10000 BUSHES	MANUAL PRUNING COST	TEA CUTTER PRUNING COST INCLUDING FUEL, LABOUR, INCENTIVES etc.	SAVINGS
22” (55cm)	17 min.	28Hours	44.5 Ltrs of Petrol & 1.80 Ltrs of 2T oil	Rs. 3000	Rs. 2072	30%
24” (60cm)	24 min	40Hours	47.8 Ltrs of Petrol & 1.90 Ltrs of 2T oil	Rs. 3750	Rs. 2521	32%
26” (65cm)	25 min	42Hours	47.5 Ltrs of Petrol & 1.90 Ltrs of 2T oil	Rs. 3750	Rs.2610	30%

Prune type	Number of Bushes pruned per hour Vis-à-vis Pruners
	Knife	Pruning Machine	Benefit
RP	20	68	+240%
MP	19	54	+184%
LP	67	227	+239%
DS	51	216	+324%
MS	46	196	+326%
LS	72	240	+233%

SALIENT FEATURES

1. JAVA TEA CUTTER is a highly labour, time, and cost saving mechanical pruning device.
2. Productivity can be achieved at least 5 times more compared to manual method.
3. Simple and easy to operate.
4. Successful field trials have been carried out in Dooars, South India and Sri Lanka.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. The equipment comprises of a hardened alloy steel pruning cutter.
2. Drive system - Auto centrifugal clutch.
3. Blade Angle - level
4. Rated cutter speed - 5000 to 6500 RPM.
5. Power - Petrol engine 43CC, Air cooled, one cylinder two stroke engine.
6. Fuel - Mixture of Gasoline and 2 cycle oil (Petrol & 2T oil).
7. Ratio - 25:1
8. Fuel Tank capacity - 0.9 Ltr.
9. Starting system - Recoil starter.
10. Weight - 7.5 Kgs.

OPERATIONS

1. Since the blade may revolve when the engine is started, be sure to keep the blades off the ground when starting the engine.
2. After starting the engine, move the throttle lever to low speed position and warm the engine for about one minute.
3. When the engine is warmed up and running smoothly, shoulder the machine.
4. Since rotary blade rotates in the left direction, it is more efficient to cut trees of tea from right to left.
5. Adjust the handle to a position for comfort and good balance.
6. Perform the work by setting the throttle lever to the required RPM.
7. To stop, return throttle to idling position and press the stop switch.

SAFETY MEASURES & PRECAUTION:

1. Eyes to the protected with proper glasses in accordance with ANSI standards Z 87.1 provided by the machine.
2. Wear long plants, boots and leg guards.
3. Do not wear open toed shoes, loose dangling clothes, neckties, scarfs, and jewelry.
4. Operate only with firm footing.
5. Do not operate under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medications or substances which can affect vision dexterity or judgment. Operator must be physically and mentally good health in order to operate safely.
6. Move at least three meters away from the fueling point before starting engine.
7. Do not move the fuel tank cap when engine is still warm or running.
8. Stop engine to re-fuel the engine.
9. Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Spilled fuel should always be wiped-up.
10. Adjust the handle to a position for comfort and good balance.
11. Make sure that the unit is assembled properly.
12. Keep the unit and attachment in good working condition. Tighten fastening parts at regular intervals.
13. Never operate the unit without proper guards, shields or other safety protective devices.
14. Make sure that the cutting head stops turning when the throttle trigger is released and the engine runs at idle speed.
15. Inspect the unit before using each time for worn, loose or damaged parts.
16. Always keep both hands on the control handles. Do not operate one handed.
17. Always keep cutting attachment below waist level.
18. Cover the blade when storing or during transport.
19. Do not store the unit with fuel in the tank, because leak start a fire. Allow the engine to cool before storing the unit.
20. Disconnect and secure the spark plug wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.
21. Use only recommended, genuine replacement parts to avoid creating a hazard and/or voiding your warranty.

SPARE PARTS REQUIRED: -

1. BLADE
2. HANGER BAND
3. THROTTLE LEVER
4. THROTTLE WIRE
5. LEAD WIRE
6. SPARKING PLUG
7. ADJUSTING SCREW OR THROTTLE WIRE
8. LOCK NUT
9. CONNECTOR.

SPECIFICATIONS