Effects of Forward Speed and Fruit Density on Picking and Collection Efficiency of a Neem Fruit Collector in Test Rig

Manual neem fruit collection is labor-intensive, consuming 30% of harvesting time. This study assessed the impact of operational variables on picking efficiency, conveying efficiency, and the missing index in a mechanical neem fruit picker collector test rig. Findings showed that raising the forward speed from 1.5 km∙h−1 (S1) to 2.0 km∙h−1 (S3) led to a reduction in picking efficiency by 11.29, 11.97, and 12.64% for all the selected levels of fruit densities respectively. The picking efficiency was increased by 17.49, 20.14, and 16.49% with an increase in fruit density from F1 to F3. The elevation in forward speed from S1 to S3 resulted in 7.26, 3.28, and 4.37% reduction in collection efficiency. An increase in fruit density from F1 to F3 increases the collection efficiency by 8.24, 8.35, and 10.72%. It was also observed that 16.5, 23.6, and 25.6% increments in the missing index with an elevation in the forward speed from S1 to S3 at all the selected levels of fruit density. It was also noted that an increase in fruit density from F1 to F3 resulted in a gradual reduction in the missing index by 60.32, 44.56, and 42.85% at all levels of forward speed. Optimal performance was attained at a forward speed of 1.5 km∙h−1 (S1) with a fruit density of 125 fruits per 0.1 m2 (F3), yielding 74.8% picking efficiency, 98.5% collection efficiency, and a 26.32% missing index. These optimal conditions are recommended for efficient and cost-effective neem fruit collection.