A rotavator plays a significant role in tilling soil, which is the primary phase in crop production. Tillage is one of the most energy demanding operations of the agricultural production process. In spite of the rotavator's versatility, the material used for development of the rotavator tines is found to wear out quickly at very high rates during field work. The blades which cost an average of 150 in the market wear out after a meagre 60 hours of usage. Considering the Indian agricultural market which has its farmers based in the rural areas, the blades are quite unaffordable. Focusing on a frugal alternative, this work presents a feasible solution of cheap, durable rotavator tines manufactured using discarded leaf spring flats. The study was aimed at analyzing abrasive wear with different samples of tine material, taking into account the soil characteristics as well. Samples of forged leaf spring flats of two different materials (Mn dominant and Si dominant) were taken along with a few commercially available tines from leading brands. The tine samples were split into lots and designated with markings. The profile outlines of all the tine samples were traced. The work then involved analysis and validation by a field test for 25 hours under known soil conditions using a commercial tractor and a rotavator. Upon completion of the field test, the tines were analyzed for wear on a gravimetric and a dimensional basis. The worn-out tine profiles were also traced for comparative visual representation of the wear. It was then concluded that Mn dominant leaf spring flats were more wear resistant and proved to be a prudent substitute for commercially available tine materials.
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