Yohannes Shewangzaw

ASSOSA UNIVERSITY
COLLAGE OF ENGENEERING DEPARTMENT OF

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PROJECT TITTLE: DESIGN OF GRASS AND CROP CUTTER WORK BY
SOLAR POWER
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
STUDENTS NAME ID NUMBER
1. YOHANNES SHEWANGZAW RU 0697/09

2. EPHRAM DEBASH RU 2029/09
3. YISAKOR ESHTU RU 3810/09
4. YEABSIRA BERHANU RU 3787/09
ADVISOR - MR MUKESH K.
DATE – 01 11 2013
ASSOSA, ETHIOPIA
Declaration
We declare that this project proposal is our original work. All works written in this document are
done by our effort and exclusively suggestion of the mentor and our supervisor. And this project
work has not been presented for a project in this or any other universities and all sources of
materials that will be used for the project work will be fully refereed and acknowledged. We
have satisfactorily completed the project with good performance and ethics.
Students Name Signature
1. YOHANNES SHEWANGZAW _____________

2. YEABSIRA BERHANU _____________
3. EPHRAM DEBASH ______________
4. YESAKOR ESHETU _____________
Submission Date
This project proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as a university
Advisor.
Project advisor signature
Mr. _____________
DESIGN OF GRASS AND CROP CUTTER WORK BY SOLAR POWER 2013
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First of all, we would like to express our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to God for helping us
while doing this thesis. Secondly we would like to give our thank for our lovely parents and
friends and we would like to thank our advisor Mr.Mukesh K. for his unreserved and continuous
assistance on the process of doing this thesis. His encouragement, excellent guidance, creative
suggestion and critical comments have greatly contributed to this thesis. We have learnt a great
deal of knowledge and skill from his guidance.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our department and college Institute that give
us the opportunity to prepare our bachelor degrees model and providing us support and
encouragement during our study.
Next, our grateful thanks go for mechanical engineering department and for all our teachers for
support we to upgrading our theoretical and practical knowledge in our five year stay.
Finally, we are great full for doing our project GRASS AND CROP CUTTER WITH SOLAR
POWER.
ii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ABSTRACT
These days we are facing the problems like pollutions, power cut problem etc. In order to
overcome these problems, we have thought about the device, which can be performing its
functions without causing any of these problems. So we have thought of doing the project on
cutting crop and grass, this uses the renewable source of energy for its operation like solar
energy. The machine was designed with mostly locally available materials, putting into
consideration factors such as strength, durability, light weight, ease of assembly and
disassembling. The designed solar powered lawn mower comprises of electric motor, a charge
controller, battery (12V, 18ah), Solar Panel (100W), rotational blade and a control switch. The
entire operation frame work is achieved using the electric motor which is able to provide the
necessary torque needed for the rotation of the blade which is mounted to the shaft of the motor.
Also this project aims at developing a portable solar operated grass and crop cutting device, as
there is power shortage. So it was decided to make a solar energy operated device. Solar panel is
connected to the battery. Battery is in turn a switch on the board which closes the circuit and
allows current flow to the motor and ultimately, causing the actuation of the blade. Connected to
A DC motor. This motor is connected to blade shaft by the help of spur gears. This will rotate the
blade in high speed as per the gear ratio and cut the grass. The solar powered lawn mower is the
battery took about 5hours to charge and 50 minutes of operation time before completely
discharging. However, under a very sunny condition battery charges and operates
simultaneously, taking a longer time to discharge. Finally, the performance evaluation of the
battery was carried out with the machine and it was found to have a theoretical efficiency of
85%. This device will help in building of eco-friendly system.
Keywords: AC, DC Motor, N-Type, P-Type, PV Cell, rotational blade
iii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

iv ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Table of Contents
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................................... i
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF FIGURE....................................................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLE ....................................................................................................................................... viii
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2. statement of the Problem............................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Objective of the study ................................................................................................................... 7
1.3.1. General objective .................................................................................................................. 7
1.3.2 Specific objective .................................................................................................................. 7
1.4. Scope of the study ......................................................................................................................... 8
1.5. Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 8
1.6 . Limitation Of Study .................................................................................................................... 9
1.7. Significant of the study ............................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................................................ 12
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Research On Previous Work Done ............................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................... 18
3. Materials And Methods....................................................................................................................... 18
3.1. Material selection Overview ....................................................................................................... 18
3.2. Steps for Selection of Material for the Components ................................................................... 19
3.3. Material ....................................................................................................................................... 21
3.4. WORKING PRINCIPLE ............................................................................................................ 30
3.4.1. Working Principle of Solar Powered Grass Cutter ............................................................. 30
CHAPTER FOUR....................................................................................................................................... 31
4. DESIGN ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................................... 31
4.1. Design Consideration .................................................................................................................. 31
CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................................................ 36
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................... 36
5.1. Implementation Of Fabrication Process ...................................................................................... 36
v ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

5.2. Comparative Study...................................................................................................................... 36

5.3. Applications ................................................................................................................................ 37
5.4. Discussion ................................................................................................................................... 37
5.5. Cost analysis ............................................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER SIX ........................................................................................................................................... 39
6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 39
6.1. CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................ 39
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................ 40
References ................................................................................................................................................... 41
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
vi ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1 solar irradiation in Ethiopia ............................................................................................................ 2
Figure 2 First lawn mower ............................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 3 Silens Messor grass cutting machine .............................................................................................. 4
Figure 4 Side-wheel push mower.................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 5 Steam Lawn Movers ....................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 6 gas powered lomovers and push movers ........................................................................................ 5
Figure 7 Small, light lawn mowers ............................................................................................................... 5
Figure 8 first solar robot lawnmower ............................................................................................................ 5
Figure 9 Robotic Lawnmower ...................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 10 Farmers cutting crop ..................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 11 Political map of Ethiopia ............................................................................................................ 10
Figure 12 Sickles......................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 13The strategy for materials selection. The four main steps translation, screening, ranking, and
supporting information................................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 14 Dokio Mon crystalline solar panel.............................................................................................. 22
Figure 15 battery ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 16 motor........................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 17 40-tooth brush cutter blade ......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 18 Driveshaft ................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 19 handle ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 20 trimming head ............................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 21 protect cover (paddy) .................................................................................................................. 26
Figure 22 belt (harness) .............................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 23 box ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 24 Smart solar charge controller ...................................................................................................... 29
Figure 25 Circuit diagram Proposed ........................................................................................................... 30
vii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

LIST OF TABLE
Table 1 material selection ........................................................................................................................... 20
Table 2 Comparative study ......................................................................................................................... 36
Table 3 cost analysis ................................................................................................................................... 38
viii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CHAPTER ONE
1. Introduction
Solar powered crop and grass cutter can be described as the application of solar energy to power
an electric motor which in turn rotates a blade which does the cutting. Different designs have
been made; each to suit a particular need or convenience. Making the process of cutting grass
and crop easier over the years, many individuals have added modification to the original design
speed, efficiency and power of a mowing machine.
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun using a range of ever technologies such as
solar heating, solar photo voltaic, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and artificial
photosynthesis. It is an important source of renewable energy and it is technologies are broadly
as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and distribute solar
energy or convert in to solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photo voltaic
systems (A solar cell). Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the sun, selecting
materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispensing properties and designing spaces that
naturally circulate air.
The solar powered cutter is an improvement on cordless electric lawn mower. The sun provides
sustainable amount of the energy used for various purposes on earth for atmospheric system.
Every minute the sun radiates generates approximately 5.6 X 10 27 calories every minute or 3.9
X 1023 kilowatts of power. However, the Earth only intercepts less than one part in two billion
of this total. or about 2 cal/cm2/min (1370 watt/m2).This known as the Solar Constant (although
we do not know exactly how constant this value is). the total solar flux reaching the surface of
the earth is estimated to be 1.08×108 GW and the total amount of energy reaching the surface of
the earth each year is 3,400,000 EJ. This is between 7000 and 8000 times annual global
primary energy consumption. The total solar energy is estimated to be 10,000 times greater than
the total annual energy of the world. [1]
Ethiopia receives a solar irradiation of 5000 – 7000 Wh/m² according to region and season and
thus has great potential for the use of solar energy. The average solar radiation is more or less
uniform, around5.2 kWh/m2/day. The values vary seasonally, from 4.55-5.55 kWh/m2/day and
with a location from 4.25 kWh/m2/day in the extreme western lowlands to 6.25 kWh/m2/day in
Adigrat area, Northern Ethiopia. [2]
1 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 1 solar irradiation in Ethiopia

The solar powered crop and grass is based on the same principle that other early inventions of
lawn mowers works on. The difference is just the application of the energy source. It uses the
photovoltaic panel to generate the energy needed to power the mower. It is assumed that a solar
powered crop and grass cutter using solar as the energy source will address a number of issues
that the standard internal combustion engine and electric motor lawn mowers do not. A
lawnmower with solar energy will be easier to use, it eliminates down time by frequent trips to
the gas station for fill-ups and danger associated with gasoline spillage. The dangerous emissions
generated by the gasoline spillage and that of the internal combustion engine into the atmosphere
are eliminated. The solar powered lawnmower will help to reduce air pollution as well as noise
pollution produced by other types of lawnmowers. In addition, it will help to reduce the running
cost of using and maintaining a crop and grass cutter.
1.1. Background
1830, Edward Budding invented the brilliant grass cutter machine in Gloucestershire, England.
Edward’s budding invention is called a cylinder mower is designed to mow grass in gardens and
sports grounds. At the time, the cylinder mower was starting, and after being granted a British
patent in August 1830, it soon became known as a viable alternative to scissors for cutting grass.
A popular option for time for cut grasses in the ground The grass cutter machine has come a long
way from Edward Budding‘s Eureka moment to Robomo’s garden-friendly robot grass cutter
machine, and here we are going to take a look at its colorful history. As stated above, the
inventor of the grass cutter machine was by the English engineer Edward Budding. He first came
up with the idea after seeing the device at a local textile mill. Budding realized how to use the

same mechanism to cut the fabric to cut the grass after weaving.By mounting the same machine
on the wheel frame. The blade rotates closer to the edge, giving rise to the cylinder mower.
Figure 2 First lawn mower[3]

Budding later partnered with another engineer, John Ferby, and the two began making cylinder
mowers at the Stroud factory. The opening machines on display at the Stroud Museum are made
of cast iron and come with a large roller that holds the cutting cylinder or reel in front. Cast iron
gear wheels transmit power from the rear roller to the cutting cylinder, which makes them
surprisingly similar to the grass cutter machine used so far. Budding and Ferbie are also smart
enough to allow others to copy their designs as they are licensed. Out of all those companies,
Ransom of Ipswich was the most successful. Ransom still makes grass cutting machines, and to
this day, they are one of the largest grass cutter machine manufacturers in the world.
By 1850, Budding’s patent had expired, and other companies came up with their designs for the
grass cutting machine. Over time, the grass cutter machine becomes lighter and less noisy,
thanks to Thomas Green and Son, who introduced Silens Messor, a quiet cutter. Silens was
considered much better than gear-driven cousins; Silens Messor has been a big hit in the homes,
although its price tag is steep. At the same time came other grass cutting machine manufacturers,
such as Alexander Shanks, who designed the Caledonia Movers line, and Ransomes, who
introduced automation. All of these models came in different sizes and included grass collection
boxes as an optional collection.

Figure 3 Silens Messor grass cutting machine[3]

The next giant leap for the grass cutting machine was the invention of the side-wheel machine.
In the 1890s, this machine’s presence is limited to England while also very popular in North
America. The side-wheel grass cutting machine used iron wheels on both sides, which removed
the straight cutting wheel. And they don’t have a metal rear roller, which makes them lighter and
cheaper.
Figure 4 Side-wheel push mower[3]

Motorized grass cutting machines are made lightweight and using petrol engines or steam power
units on the scene in the 1890s.Steam mowers did a great job, and in the early 1900s, petrol-
powered grass cutting machine conquered the market.
After World War I, the grass cutting machine product will reach new heights when taking the
driver’s seat with many famous names such as Sims, Ransom, and Jefferies.
Figure 5 Steam Lawn Movers[3]

At the same time, the name Atco came about, which started Atco Motor Mower in 1921.
Qualcast is another grass cutter machine manufacturer Company, popular with its E Sidewheel
and Panther roller grass cutter machine. The first gas-powered reel grass cutting machine in
America was introduced in 1914 by the ideal power muting company in Michigan. It was at the
same time as the introduction of the riding grass cutter machine.
Figure 6 gas powered lomovers and push movers[3]

In the 30s, 40s, and 50s, the grass cutting machine became smaller, lighter, and more efficient.
The 60s grass cutter machine was very sophisticated, had plastic parts, and came at a low price.
Traverse City built Monta Mower Montague [1923-1962] in Michigan. They have wooden T-
handle until 1942, the first introduction of metal rods with rubber.
Figure 7 Small, light lawn mowers[3]

In 1995, invented first solar-powered grass cutter machine. A solar-powered grass cutting
machine can find its charging terminal by the guidance of emissions from the wireless frequency
from the boundary wire.
Figure 8 first solar robot lawnmower[3]

Some other essential types of grass cutting machine like mower, riding mower, and tractor pull
mower have their characteristics, depending on the user’s needs are available in the market.
A more advanced robotic grass cutter machine is what homeowners do not like to face the hassle
of mowing their lawn. The world’s first robotic grass cutter machines is launched in Britain, and
years later started to appear in the US and UK markets. Grass cutting machine, such as the robot
lawnmower written by Robomo, refers to cutting edge Lawnmower technology. Robomow is
unique in that it offers a beautiful cut. Security is the first preference of the robot grass cutting
machine, which gives it even more valuable to homeowners. And, if that doesn’t fit, it’s almost
impossible to throw anything from under Robomow’s design mower. Since rocks like projectiles
can be launched by a conventional mower and because many injuries, the robot grass cutting
machine offers a very safe alternative.
Figure 9 Robotic Lawnmower[3]

Apart from this, apps for your iOS and Android devices can remotely control your robot, grass
cutter machine. Once you install an app on your phone, the user can start mowing their grass
cutting machine and set a timer if not around the house.
The desire for a fresh cut yard has inspired people over the years to develop and design some
amazing grass cutter machines. From beginner reel mowers to Robello’s robot grass cutter
machine, there is a good grass cutter machine, you need to get rid of the grass of those thick and
tricky blades and get to the lawn before mowing. [3]
1.2. statement of the Problem
The past technology of grass and crop cutting is manually operated by the use of hand devices
like scissor, these results into more human effort and more time required accomplishing the
work. During harvesting Farmers and grass cutting usually forced to sit or bend from hips this
causes a serious back pain and injuries on hands. Poor handling of crops during harvesting leads
to shattering and crop loose that reduce productivity and grass well drop all over the pleas and

most importantly when the farmer or grass cutter he/she may cut their hand or leg. also in old
methods lack of uniformity of the remaining grass. Also due to the use of engine powered
machines increases the air and noise pollution also this grass and crop cutter require
maintenance. Gasoline powered mowers create noise due to the loud engine noise, and air
pollution due to the combustion in the engine and as The world’s population continue to grow for
several decades to come. Energy demand is likely to increase even faster, and the proportion of
energy supplied by electricity will also grow at the same rate. The main sources of energy (fossil
fuels: coal, petroleum and gas) that we use are believed to be running out. Moreover, these
sources of energy can cause harm to our environment. CO is an example of a short lived trace
gas created from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass burning. This gas is
converted later to CO2, which is one of the main greenhouse gases and also responsible for a
global temperature rise. Thus, gasoline powered lawn mower contributes to both air and noise
pollution. Hence, alternatives to the use of non-renewable energy and polluting fossil fuels need
to be taken into consideration.
Figure 10 Farmers cutting crop[7]
1.3. Objective of the study

1.3.1. General objective
The main objective of this project is to design and a low cost grass and crop cutting machine
with solar power.
1.3.2 Specific objective
Our project is designing mostly for low income and small-scale farmers and for grass cutter in
the schools, sports tracks, fields, industries, hotels, public centers, etc.
 To Design crop and grass cutter machine for harvest crop and cutting grass.
 To design solar panel and battery
 To design components of machine

 To design the crop and grass this is feasible in size and cost effective.
 Designing environmentally friendly and harvester more efficiently grass and crop cutter.
 To Designing grass and crop cutter minimize time of harvesting and human effort.
1.4. Scope of the study
This study covered the development of model of low cost grass and crop cutter with solar power.
Our project is to design and automatic grass and crop cutter which operates on solar energy and
avoids the drawback of old lawn mowers. It is used for cutting different types of grasses and crop
for various applications. Also solar based grass and crop cutter keeps the environment clean and
healthy. The whole machine operates on the solar energy stored in battery. Mechanism is
transfers input power to output will be designed and the necessary parameters of the source of
power will be analyzed. Hence, the frames, motors, connecting mechanisms, cutters, collectors,
couplings, joints, and solar panels will be synthesized and analyzed. The power source used solar
energy, so that an electric motor with the same output power and shaft speed can be used. The
design includes material selection, mechanism design, dimensional analysis, power requirement,
and component selection of the machine. e.t.c
1.5. Methodology
The following methodology is used in design grass and crop cutting machine. The designing
process has to go through some stages and procedures in such a way that any reader can take a
good know how about the crop and grass cutter setup, planning and configuration.
The phase of the cutter design process requires describe problem and identify the solution,
collecting data, explain the objective, and explain design conceptual, part design, part and
assembly drawing using mechanical engineering software and cost analysis, creativity. Planning
process includes compromising of many decisions based on the previous data collected which
have been used in the crop and grass cutter machine on the other hand planning action also
encompass the material selection for the grass and crop cutting in other words an ideal property
of material has to be selected for making the good grass and crop cutting in the shaper machine.
 Data collection
To achieve the objectives we used both primary and secondary sources. The Primary sources:
Interviews, Visual observation. The secondary sources: Reference books, Flow of work
(process), Internet. In order to design grass and crop cutting machine properly and the machine

to be functional we first collect all relevant and necessary design parameters data which is
important to design the machine. Some of those data are the size (diameter) of the grass and crop
cutting machine.
The maximum load acting on the machine
The amount force can develop by human to operate the machine
In addition of this we review books and internet site which is a source of information to design
the machine.
 Design the grass and crop cutting machine
After the data is collecting the next step which we perform is;
Identify the components of the machine select the appropriate material for each component
according to the load handled and mode of failure subjected by the component Design each
component of the machine by using the available reference which support the design.
Stress and force analysis to check the part in order to make the component free from
any type of failure
 Part and assembly drawing
In order to make the machine clearly and easily understand by any technician, we can describe
the machine by pictorial drawing using solid works software.
 Cost analysis
1.6 . Limitation Of The Study

The thesis focuses on the design of the grass and crop cutting machine. There was some
limitation in the proses preparing the project. The man problem was time because of COVD 19
we are finishing the semester two month. Most of the input data are taken from the some
References book and internet, because we have not got an access to record exact data for the
project due to time limitations and other factors. Since the data’s are taken by the approximation
it has an impact on the design analysis and working efficiency of the cutter. And another factor
is:
 No enough supply of basic need for the project.
 Absence of source that help us to work easily and quickly, our project
 Getting less information during interview
 The date to submit the project is short and sudden

1.7. Significant of the study

Ethiopia is a country located in the East of Africa lies between 3° to 15°N latitude and 33° to
48°E longitudes, as shown in Figure 1.10, with land area of about 1.097 million km2. According
to World population review report, currently Ethiopia has the population of about 109.2 million
(2021) of which 83% lives in rural areas. Ethiopia is endowed with various and diversified
renewable energy resources, namely hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. The estimated
exploitable potential for hydropower is 45 GW, wind is 10 GW, geothermal is 5 GW, and solar
irradiation ranges from 4.5 kWh/m2/day to 7.5 kWh/m2/day. [4]
Figure 11 Political map of Ethiopia[7]

Agriculture is the country's most promising resource. Even though agriculture is practiced a lot
of years ago, it is not well organized and technology advanced.
The mechanization of agriculture not only reduces the overall cost of production but also
increases the total agricultural yield. Through mechanized farming, many countries in the world
are reaching the upper limits of their cultivable land. The increasing use of agricultural
machinery, equipment and fertilizers coupled with better irrigation facilities, together
revolutionizes the agricultural sector. It is obvious that different types and levels of harvesting
tools and machines are applicable in different countries. However, the current harvesting systems
are not different from the ancient styles in Ethiopia. This is due to the low level economy of the
farmer, the awareness of the people and the high taxation system of the government. Due to this
reason, the farmers have been being forced to use the traditional and the time and power
consuming way of harvesting like sickles.
Sickles one of traditional way of harvesting tool which is use mostly on Ethiopia.A sickle,
bagging hook, reaping-hook or grass hook is a single-handed agricultural tool designed with

variously curved blades and typically used for harvesting, or reaping, grain crops or cutting grass
and succulent forage chiefly for feeding livestock, either freshly cut or dried as hay. [6]
Figure 12 Sickles[7]
The harvesting times, of the grains, have been being elongated for months to cover small pieces
of lands. This has adverse effect both on the farms and on the country productivity. The farmers
have been killing more time that maximizes the cost of production and they will not think for
further value-added processes and more production systems. In addition, the amount of seeds
collected will be reduced since it falls into the ground and eaten by animals. This leads to an
abrupt time-to time increasing on the price the people and for foreign countries, which makes the
country uncompetitive and lags behind others in supplying the foods. Since the pressures on
demand of the grains are increasing drastically, it will be difficult to supply the future needs.
Therefore, a simple and cheap system should be implemented which can fill the gap between the
traditional and high-level modern ways of harvesting. Also in grass cutting operation the
traditional way is very time killing and it take a lot of people to cut including the hazards of the
bleed it also ineffective. The main aim of this research is to design a crop harvester and grass
cutter operated by solar energy. The harvester has very great role to maximize the harvesting rate
of grains such as wheat, barley, Tiff, rice, grass, etc. It collects more grains than a person can do.
Since the time required to harvest grains reduced, the farmers will gain additional time in order
to have further farming time. That means they can farm more than once per year. The
productivity will be increased because the grains will be harvested at the critical stages. In
addition, there will be a chance for the producers to add values on their seeds. And it has purpose
is to avoid energy crisis in Ethiopia and reduces the human efforts, operating cost and
maintenance cost. The burden on the workers reduced which will increase their life span.

CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Research On Previous Work Done
This chapter gives an extensive review on works and study related to this project, emphasizing
on different designs, analysis, and areas of application and safety aspects of view. Below is a
description containing related publications with the author? In the study of D. Satwik et al design
and fabrication of a lever operated solar lawn mower, the main objective was to cut grass at
different heights. The proposed lawn mower had a spur gear displacement mechanism in which
the rotor blade height can be adjusted by using the lever attached to it and that can proportionally
change the height of the grass cut of the lawn and required grass cut can be achieved and this
process of adjustment will be completed in less than 20 seconds. The components used in
machine fabrication include; DC motor, battery, solar panel, spur gears, wheels, ultrasonic
sensor, Arduino board and a rotor blade. In this process, an electric brushless motor is taken to
drive the rotor blade and solar energy is used to drive the motor. The batteries perform charging
and discharging action between the solar panel and the motor. The actual mechanism lies
between the rotor and the motor using spur gears for the power transformation. The motor runs
45min continuously until the batteries are depleted. The batteries require 23 hours to recharge
completely, 10watt solar panel is used and it takes 4 days considering 6 hours direct sunlight per
day to charge complete two batteries. The arduino board is an open-source computer software
program used to control the speed of the motor manually. The corresponding required program is
written and dumped into board. In front of the machine is an ultrasonic sensor that provides
signal to prevent collision between the machine and obstacles during the cutting operation. The
sensor provides signal to the arduino board before the time of collision (below 30cm from the
obstacle). Buzzer receives a signal from the board and produces alarm that prevents the collision.
Spur gears were used to transmit power between motor and the rotor. Contact stresses acting on
the teeth of their respective spur gears were calculated theoretically using Hertz and AGMA
equation. In ogiemidia et al lawn mower design, the project work was based on improving the
design of a solar operated lawn mower form locally available sources in Nigeria. It also aimed at
improving the cutting efficiency when compared to the conventional fossil fuel powered lawn
mower. The components used for this design include; a 12V, 35Ah battery, 100W, 7.5A solar

panel, charge controller, 1HP, 62.14A D.C motor and a stainless steel plate. In this machine
operation, there are fire inlets at different points outside the mower that draws in air into the
center of the blade as it revolves. The air is push down creating a high pressure rating of
underneath the machine. This high pressure rating creates lift, raising the mower on
inclusion of air which also allows the mower to be easily maneuvered. When the mower moves,
the lawn mower blades which are attached to the revolving of the D.C motor cut the grass. The
electric circuit ensures power transfer from the battery to run the D.C. motor, while the solar
panel power, and continuously recharge the battery while in operation. When the power switch is
on, the electrical energy from the battery powers the motor which in turn actuates the blades. The
solar panel generates current to recharge the battery, thereby compensating for the battery
discharge. The solar lawn mower is made up of a lawn mower deck with handle, a 24 volts DC
motor two 12 volts battery and a sickle-shaped blade. A charge controller is mounted separately
used for charging the batteries. The solar panel is a photovoltaic cell that generates
current when light falls on its surface. Two 100 Watts solar panels connected in series are used to
charge the batteries. The D.C. motor forms the heart of the machine and provided the driving
force for the cutting blades. Physical properties were obtained for three blades considering their
maximum and minimum vonmisses stress. The concepts examined were for a tapered shaped
blade, for a flat blade design and for a sickle like shaped blade. After the design analysis, concept
three which involved the use of a sickle like shaped blade was selected for the lawn mower
design and formed the basis for all the calculations considered. Nagarajan et al designed and
fabricated a lawn mower using a helix shaped blade. The innovation concept was to fabricate a
grass cutting machine for use in an agricultural field and also to design the grass cutter
without any power source so as to reduce the power consumption. The wheel rotation is achieved
by human power as the machine is being pushed by the operator. The components used for the
fabrication includes; a wheel, gear arrangement, roller, bearing, and base frame. The spiral lawn
mower made use of multiple cutting; blade which is connected to the bevel gear is slightly raised
along its rear edge to create draft that lifts the cutting blades before its cutting operation. The
rotation of the cutting blade is done below the gear arrangement. As the gear arrangement rotates
the reel mover tends to cut the plants or crops. The reel consists of several helix shaped blades
mounted to a rotating shaft. The cutting blade used in this design is a low lift blade which is used
for low speed; therefore a straight bevel gear was used due to its simplistic design and low speed.

The performance of the machine was evaluated through a field test. A land predominantly
covered with carpet grass was mapped out into plots of 4mx2m. Seven of these plots were
selected by randomization process and mowed.
In the study of Thomas R. McCoy’s solar powered golf kart, he made use of a combination of
solar cells connected in an array and arranged in parallel or series connection so that a desired
amount of current and voltage could be drawn. It was observed in the project study that the
maximum amount of current without increasing voltage across the terminal was obtained by
arranging the group of cells in the parallel connection. The array was divided into groups that
included three-four cells in each. This arrangement was used mainly to charge the battery in a
quick manner and this rapid charging was because of the diode which was responsible for
electrical separation and that prevented the current to flow from battery to the solar cells. Every
group of the solar panels had its own diode. This diode separated each group from other group of
solar panels. In the study of Anthony R. Paytas solar powered mower, the machine was designed
to be operated by the electric motor. The lawnmower made use of batteries which were either
charged by electric power source or by solar energy by exposing it to the sunlight insolation. In
the design, the pairs of solar panels connected by the ridge of the panels were raised above the
electric motor. The solar panels consisted of multiple solar cellsthat produced the required
voltage and current. The voltage regulator at the charging outlet was connected to control current
flow with respective battery. Voltage regulator was required to maintain the safe charging as
additional voltage or current could be drawn from the solar cell. The electric clutch was used as
electric brake which provided the opposite polarity when the safety bar was released.
In the study of Delbert R. Lucas and Ryan J. Lucas, they developed a hybrid electric lawnmower
which could be operated by either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) power supply.
A 60 volts DC supply was provided from the battery pack to the motor with a hybrid AC/DC
controller which acted as step down controller or power inverter. The full bridge rectifier was
used to rectify the current from AC to DC. The mower could be run in two modes such as
conserve and boost mode. An additional 6volts battery was provided to hybrid AC/DC controller
that increased the speed of blade motor when switched to boost mode. Furthermore, when the
mower was switched to the conserve mode, the battery life was prolonged. In the study of
Ronald Thomas and Donald H. Smiths combined A.C. /DC electric lawn mower, a lawn mower
was designed which had both AC and DC motors. Both motors were connected by gear and

clutch arrangement which could be operated together or separately. When AC motor was
powered, DC was permitted to the free wheel by the clutch assembly mechanism. When the grass
was dense, both the AC and DC motors were powered. Both AC and DC motors drove the gear
through their association with the clutch assembly. In the design, three gears were used which
were arranged in the way that they were always in the contact with one another and the driven
clutch plates were in the motion all the times. AC and DC motor were mounted adjacent to each
other. In the invention of Milshtein et al, a solar electric powered lawnmower was designed
which was controlled electronically to minimize the energy consumption. Change of grass
density or any other change of a load to the blade was sensed by a controller and was fed-back to
the circuitry. Clean energy, low noise, no pollution, no energy cost, safe operation and low
maintenance was added as benefit to the prototype to reduce its cost. Lawnmower was operated
by set of batteries and solar panels. The direction of the blade could be changed
so that mower could throw grass in different direction. The DC motor was selected to provide
maximum efficiency of 81%-84% at the low possible current. Batteries were selected to provide
high energy density (30 W- hour/kg). In this design, conventional solar cells were used with the
efficiency of 14%. Solar cells were able to produce 175 watts under the normal sun condition.
The machine required 24 volt and 10 ampere of current where solar cells were able to produce
only 6 ampere of current. In the study of Stephen R. Wassell, a solar powered lawn mower was
designed which contained an electric motor, a rechargeable battery and photovoltaic cells panel
that was attached on the handle of the lawn mower. A solar powered lawnmower was compared
and studied with the gasoline powered lawnmowers from the effectiveness point of view. Both
the mowers were compared and concluded that the solar powered mowers were more efficient,
noiseless and had minimum energy cost. As it was solar powered, no air pollution was caused as
gasoline mowers produced a lot of noise and affected the environment. Shukitis et al researched
the methodology which solved the problem while lifting and lowering the mower
deck. There was a problem with the force used to ‘quick lift’ of the deck. In this design, a
solution was given which reduced a force of 22 pounds for lifting and lowering and for ‘quick
lifting’, a lever system was used, that enabled the mower to lift till the maximum height.
In the study of Tony Atkins optimum blade configurations for the cutting of soft solids, the
relation between the slice (blade that cuts in one rotation of the rotor) and push (the forward
travel) was analyzed. It was discussed that, if the slice to push ratio was more, then the amount of

grass cut was more and when the knife or blade was sharp, then more was the cutting action. In
the study, the blades were arranged on helices around the cylinder and slice to push ratio was
determined by the helix angle. It was also investigated that the design and ergonomics of
different blades that were used in meat cutting, cylinder lawnmowers, and scythes greatly
reduced the force required to cut the grass.
In the study of Johnson Alexander John’s lawn mower cutting blade design, it was reviewed that
in order to produce a mechanical energy, a direct current motor was used that consumed
electrical energy as its input. The energy was produced due to the interaction of current carrying
conductors and magnetic fields. Current or voltage was given as the input to the direct current
motor and torque was the output. Self-initiated precise exchange force was utilized by the motor
to control spin-waves. Sudden magnetic forces which were precisely located as well as directed
were produced by the motor using the phenomena of self-initiated nonlinear magnetism.
In the study of jean-paulLalonde’s cutting and mulching lawn mower blades, the blade assembly
for lawn mower which produced efficient mulching of the grass was reviewed. The assembly
was adapted to produce self-cleaning inside the shroud housing of the mower and the internal
surface of the same housing. The grass was finely mulched and blown downward outwardly of
the shroud housing of the lawn mower and kept the latter clean. The grass cuttings were blown
downward and it avoided the raking and reduced the need for a lateral outlet in the shroud
hosing. It also reduced the risks of injuries caused by obstacles which were flung outward, such
as rocks, sticks, or by engagement of foot in the path of the rotating blade. In the study of
Wassell, a solar powered lawn mower was designed which was contained an electric motor, a
rechargeable battery and photovoltaic cells panel that was attached on the handle of the lawn
mower. A solar powered lawnmower was compared and studied with the gasoline powered
lawnmowers from the effectiveness point of view. Both the mowers were compared and
concluded that the solar powered mowers were more efficient, noiseless and had minimum
energy cost. As it was solar powered, no air pollution was caused as gasoline mowers produced a
lot of noise and affected the environment. In the study of Willsie, a lawnmower blade was
designed that had improved blade bar which was flat and also slight twist was provided. A
pivotal cutter discs was fitted on each end of the blade. Each end of the blade was fitted with
blower elements which blew the grass. The design provided maximum throwing of cut
grass from the housing of the mower during the blade rotation. To direct the cut grass into

outward direction of the cutter discs, the blower elements were extended above the ends of the
cutter discs. It facilitated the expulsion of the grass clipping beneath the lawnmower housing.
Considering, the previous work done by others in line with this project, the methodology used in
carrying out this project differs from the various methods used in the above research work. In the
design and construction of this project work, the proposed lawn mower is aimed at improving
field cutting efficiency when compared with the conventional fossil-fuel powered lawn mower.

CHAPTER THREE
3. Materials And Methods
3.1. Material selection Overview
Material selection is a step in the process of designing any physical object. In the context
of product design, the main goal of material selection is to minimize cost while meeting product
performance goals. Systematic selection of the best material for a given application begins
with properties and costs of candidate materials. Material selection is often benefited by the use
of material index or performance index relevant to the desired material properties. [6]
The following factors should be considered while selecting the material.
 Availability of the materials
 Suitability of the material for the working conditions in service, and
 The cost of the materials and others are as following.
The material selection process in the design plays a vital role for safe and reliable design as
well as for more optimization.in order to reduce serious hazards and other familiarities, selection
of material should be considered as a pillar for the whole design. Each and every component of
the mechanism (device) is going to be designed in a great care by selecting appropriate material
and factor of safety. The important properties, which determine the utility of the materials, are
physical (luster, color, size and shape, density, electric and thermal conductivity, and melting
point. etc, Chemical (acidic or basic) and mechanical (strength, stiffness, elasticity, ductility,
brittleness, malleability, toughness, fatigue, and etc.) are properties that should be considered
The strategy for the material selection has the following shape (translation, screening, ranking
and supporting information). The problem of material selection is solved by selecting some
materials on the basis of their strength and modulus of elasticity. It is important to start with the
full menu of materials in mind; failure to do so may mean a missed opportunity. If an innovative
choice is to be made, it must be identified early in the design process. Later, too many decisions
have been taken and commitments made to allow radical change: it is now or never. The task,
restated in two lines, is that of:
 Identifying the desired attribute profile and then
 Comparing it with those of real engineering materials to find the best match.
The first step in tackling it is that of translation, examining the design requirements to
identify the constraints that they impose on material choice. The immensely wide choice is
narrowed, first, by screening-out the materials that cannot meet the constraints. Further
narrowing is achieved by ranking the candidates by their ability to maximize performance.
Criteria for screening and ranking are derived from the design requirements for a component by
an analysis of function, constraints, objectives, and free variables. The steps can be likened to
those in selecting a candidate for a job. The job is first analyzed and advertised, identifying
essential skills and experience required of the candidate (‗‗translation‘‘). Some of these are
simple go/no go criteria like the requirement that the applicant ‗‗must have a valid driving
license‘‘, or ‗‗a degree in computer science‘‘, eliminating anyone who does not (‗‗screening‘‘).
Others imply a criterion of excellence, such as ‗‗typing speed and accuracy are priorities‘‘, or
preference will be given to candidates with a substantial publication list‘‘, implying that
applicants will be ranked by these criteria (‗‗ranking‘‘). Finally references and interviews are
sought for the top ranked candidates, building a file of supporting information—an opportunity
to probe deeply into character and potential.
Figure 13 The strategy for materials selection. The four main steps translation, screening,
ranking, and supporting information
3.2. Steps for Selection of Material for the Components

The material selection procedure follows (the strategy for material selection).so the overall
material selection of this design will follow this outline because it is basic and clear.
The materials selection process for a component or joint between components involves
These steps:
 Identify the design requirements.
 Identify the materials selection criteria.
 Identify candidate materials.
 Evaluate candidate materials.
 Select materials.
 COMPONENTS
S/N COMPONENTS MATERIAL REASONS FOR

SUITABLE SELECTION
1 Blade Mild steel Strength, Resistance to corrosion
2 Motor DC motor Easily accessible and economical
3 Battery 12V, 43Ah battery Rechargeable, durability and
4 Charge controller MPPT Highest efficiency
5 Solar panel 100W, 12v Highest efficiency ,Space-efficient
mono crystalline More efficient in warm weather
6 Frame Mild steel Strength
7 Handle Aluminum Functionality, low weight
8 Protect cover (paddy) Mild Steel Strength, Resistance to corrosion
9 Trimming head Mild Steel Strength,Resistance to corrosion
10 Electrical wiring Copper Good conductor of electric city
11 Belt Cotton Flexibly, durable and comfortable

12 Box Mild Steel Strength
Table 1 material selection

3.3. Material
The solar grass and crop cutter has some specific part used in it so as to take out its function
intended to do. As our project is focusing on the use of solar power, storing it in the battery and
then using it to run the motor that in turn rotates the cutting blades. The main components used
in the project are:
 Solar Panels
Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity as shown in Fig.3.1. They are called
"Solar" panels because most of the time, the most powerful source of light available is the Sun,
called Sol by astronomers. Some scientists call them photovoltaic which mean, basically, "Light
electricity”. This is the basis of photo-voltaic conversion that is the conversion of solar energy
into electrical energy. It is an important source of renewable energy and it is technologies are
broadly as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and distribute
solar energy or convert in to solar power The combination of n type and p-type semiconductors
thus constitutes a photo-voltaic cell or solar cell. All such cells some rate direct current that can
be converted into alternating current it desired. Future cells may use such materials as the
semiconductors like Gallium arsenate, copper sulphate, cad supplied etc. The device used to
utilize the photovoltaic effect is solar cell.
There solar panels consist of three basic types; monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous
solar cells. For the development of this project mono crystalline is used because
 Highest efficiency: since they are made out of the highest-grade silicon
 Space-efficient: Since these solar panels yield the highest power outputs
 Long lifespan
 More efficient in warm weather [7]
The maximum output voltage produced by a silicon cell is approximately prods 1 and 1.2w at a
0.5Volts when there is bright sunlight. As the name suggests in mono crystalline solar panels, the
solar cells are made up of single silicon crystal. Mon crystalline solar panel to have an average
lifespan of between 25 to 30 years [8]

Dokio Mon crystalline solar panel to be used for the solar lawn mower is a 12V, 100Watts panel
which consists of high efficiency solar cells resulting to high efficiency per space and only
0.5inch thick and weighs only 2.7kg.
Figure 14 Dokio Mon crystalline solar panel
 Battery
The batteries are used as a storage device for solar energy which can be further converted into
electrical energy. Batteries convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. A battery
consists of some number of voltaic cells. These voltaic cells consist of certain chemical
compositions where the chemical reactions take places. Each cell consists of two half cells
connected by a conductive electrolyte containing anions and captions. For this project we select a
12V 43AH lead acid battery. A lead acid battery is a kind of rechargeable battery that stores
electrical energy by using chemical reactions between lead, water, and sulfuric acid. The
technology behind these batteries is over 160 years old, but the reason they’re still so popular is
because they’re robust, reliable, and cheap to make and use. Lead acid batteries have large
capacities and are often available in many places around the world.11.5 p.
Figure 15 battery
 Motor
Selecting a suitable electric motor in one of the important criteria in designing a crop and grass
cutter since the motor is the one that drives the generated torque to the cutting head to trim the
crop and grass. Moreover, the size of the motor shall be small enough so that it will fit in
perfectly. Most of the electric motors which are available in the markets are expensive and large
in size. In addition, these motors are used for heavy duty lawn mowers since the cutting blades
require a large amount of horsepower and rotational speed. However, for the current project, a
1000 Watt 48 Volt DC Brushless (BLDC) motor with mounting bracket + 1000W 48V brushless
speed controller was used since the cutting head will be using strings instead of cutting blades. A
DC motor is a mechanically commutated electric motor powered from direct current (DC). The
selecting motor Dimensions: Diameter: 4 1/8", Length (no shaft): 4-7/8", Length (with shaft): 6".
[9]
Figure 16 motor
 Blades
Considering the design for the proposed of crop and grass cutter, the blade to be used is a 40-
tooth flat shaped blade. They are generally referred to as standard blades engineered to provide
enough lift to move the grass or crop out of the mower area. Other blade shapes like tapered
blade and sickle bar blade can also be used for the mower, but flat blade is preferred for this
project because of it mass which is suitable considering the size and weight of the machine and
speed of the motor. Tapered and sickle bar blades have higher cutting pressure but relatively low
mass. The shaft rotating the blade has a high mass so the blade has to have a relative high mass
to prevent the blade from wobbling. The material to be used for the desired flat blade is mild
steel. Mild steel has strength and weight that can transmit the same speed as that of the motor
which makes it suitable considering the size of the protect cover (paddy) and shaft rotating the
blade. Stainless steel and angle bar iron can also be used for the blade construction due to their
durability and long life span. But mild steel is preferred mainly because of strength and its high
resistance to corrosion.
The blade selection was constrained by the following requirements:

i. The strength of the blade material

ii. The blade size in length
iii. The blade size in thickness e.t.c
The brush cutter selected for this study can accommodate a blade of 120mm inner diameter and
250mm outer diameter. The system requires a tolerance between the blade and the metal guard
because any deflection of the blade that leads to contact with the metal guard (paddy) can be
catastrophic. Therefore, the rigidity of the blade was considered as the highest priority in the
blade selection. The 40-tooth brush cutter blade has a weight of 499 g and a knife-edge angle of
30° the blades are readily obtainable for use by any operator.
Figure 17 40-tooth brush cutter blade
 Frame
Also called a Brush saw or Clearing saw is a powered garden or agricultural tool used to trim
weeds, crop, small trees, and other foliage not accessible by a grass and crop cutter or rotary
mower. Various blades or trimmer heads can be attached to the machine for specific applications.
The mild steel rod was used in the construction of the frame due to its workability, availability
and cost effectiveness.
It consists of:
 A power unit held close to the body.
 A pole through which the power is transmitted.
 A rotary cutting head at the opposite end of the pole to the power unit.
Complete shaft for brush diameter 28mm *2mm and Thickness Drive shaft for 4mm. The frame
supports for the electric motor, battery as well the handle frame. The length of the frame is 1800
mm long surrounded by a bushed outer aluminum hollow sleeve and is also made up of two
handles. The first handle supports at the hand and the second handle is for hands to move the
arrangement. The handle is allowed to handle the equipment and the blade is move to the grass
and crop.

Figure 18 Driveshaft
 Handle subassembly
The handle of the cutter comprises of a clamp mounted centrally about the mild steel that house
the driveshaft. It uses to direct the cutter that is holed by the frame in which direction (left or
right) to cut. The handle holds the throttle trigger, stop switch and clutch/throttle trigger lockout
of the brush cutter. The direction and height of the handle can be adjusted with respect to the
ergonomics of the operator. Cutter race wire assembly with handle is cheap and best as it can be
repaired each and every time, as this part is main and it’s used mostly and it’s the part that
controls the cutter, it should be in good condition each and every time.
Figure 19 handle
TRIMMING HEAD (GEARHEAD)

The trimming head has a small shaft projecting out of the gear head. It drives any cutting
mechanism. It is majorly used are motor holder. It can also be used with blades with different
designs depending on the purposes of use. It is built with quality material for longer usage. High
quality, heat treated steel. Smooth steel surface finish.it also uses the holder of the motor which
rotate the blade.This item for Cutter crop and Grass Cutter Heavy Gear Head Assembly for
28mm Shaft with29mm Casing Inner Diameter. Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13cm X 5cm X 10cm
Item eight: 499 g.
Figure 20 trimming head

 PROTECT COVER (PADDY)

The design of a suitable metal guard was based on the average height of knife stem determined
on the field. The main purpose of the metal guard is to prevent the cut stem from falling on the
operator of the harvester and This brush cutter can be used for cutting wheat, jawari, bajri, maize,
sugarcane, soybean, bamboo, unwanted grass, and till 4 inch stream of any trees Paddy guard
used as Crop Collector Holds While Cutting Is Performed By Using Brush Cutters or hold
bundle of grass after it gets cut from ground level It is used as an attachment in brush cutter,
compatible with all brush cutter types. The guard required a number of design constraints which
were as follows:
i. The guard is required to be attached to a standard commercial brush cutter,
ii. The guard must be able to withstand the weight of the plant,
iii. The guard must be able to resist corrosion, and
iv. The guard must be lightweight.
The material selected for the metal guard is Mild Steel and Aluminum bar which is 5 mm thick
and 25 mm wide Dimensions (L x B x H): 13 x 11 x 17 inches. It has a tensile strength (yield) of
370 MPa which is greater than the strength of the knife stem (44.86 MPa) which was determined
using Instron Universal Testing Machine (UTM, Instron 3369K1781, 50 KN, USA). This implies
that it can bear the load of the knife stem without deforming. The metal is a curved component
with a radius of curvature 305 mm. The metal guard was able to guide the stem to the cutting
zone especially for stands with more than one knife stems. It was fabricated afterwards and
attached to the brush cutter gear head using bolts and nuts. The total weight of the metal guard
after fabrication was 1300 g. [10]
Figure 21 protect cover (paddy)

 ELECTRICAL WIRING
It is important to select wires that are properly sized for the currents and voltages in your solar
energy system. To connect the components of a Solar Energy System, we will need to use correct
wire sizes to ensure low loss of energy and to prevent overheating and possible damage. Wires
that are too small will cause significant voltage drops, and therefore a significant solar energy
loss, as well as possible overheating that may cause a fire. Choosing the right solar wires or
cables for your solar power system is important for both safety and performance reasons. Under-
sizing the wires results to power loss due to drop in voltage. Again, the wires may heat up and
cause a fire. You can use our solar wire size calculator to select the proper wire for your needs.
The thicker the wire is the easier it will be for larger electrical currents to flow in it. Therefore,
short wires with large wire cross-sectional area have a small electrical resistance that result will
with small voltage drop. Long wires with small cross-sectional area have a large resistance that
results in a large voltage drop along the wire. [11, 12]
Factors to consider when choosing solar wires and cables for your solar power system include:
 Solar Wires and Cables Size
 Length of solar Wires and Cables
 The thickness of Solar Wires and Cable
 Rating Solar Wires or Cables
 Composition of Solar Wires and Cables
 Solar Wires and Cables Material
 Voltage and Current Types [13]
As stated size depends upon the current to be carried out by the winding, which depends upon
current density of 3.1A/mm2.for less copper losses1.6 A/mm2or 2.4A/mm2 may be used.
Generally even size gauge of wire are used.
 belt (harness)
The belt also a component of the cutter uses for to carry the machine. The belt is made of any
cotton or lather which is attached to the frame and the shaft that are connected the belt to pass the
wires that are attached to the batter which transfers current to the motor to rotate the Blade. We
wire the belt in our body and carry the machine.

The harness allows you to work longer and safer if you prefer to engage your entire upper body
in your landscaping needs.
Figure 22 belt (harness)
 Box
The box use to Cary the batter that are connected the charge controller which is connected to
solar panel with wires and also the box are attached to the frame which are connected to the
frame and the wire connected to the battery which transfers current to the motor to rotate the
Blade.
Figure 23 box
 Charge controllers
A solar charge controller, also known as ‘charge regulator’ or solar battery maintainer, is a
device that manages the charging and discharging of the solar battery bank in a solar panel
system. Charge controller need for wired between the solar panel and the battery.
Also solar charge controller is simply a device used to regulate the way solar panels apply
electrical charge to your batteries. It is the charge controller that regulates the charging of the
batteries. It detects when to allow the maximum available charge that the solar panels can
produce to be applied to the batteries and it also detects when the battery is fully charged and
cuts off the charge supplied by the solar panels.
Some solar charge controllers have some other functions like providing an output connection
where you can attach your D.C (direct current) loads. This means that you can connect lights and
other devices that use DC directly via the charge controller to the solar panels without using an

inverter. Some also provide USB outlets to connect your USB devices directly to your solar
panel. These are secondary functions of the solar charge controller though. There are two main
types of solar charge controllers. The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Solar Charge controller
and the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controller
We chosen Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controller The Maximum
Power Point Tracking feature enables the input power of an MPPT controller to be equal to its
output power. [14]
MPPT controllers provide you with the flexibility to connect many solar panels in series thus
increasing the total voltage of the array without being afraid of losing a part of the solar-
generated power. The principle of MPPT is squeezing the maximum possible solar-generated
power from a solar panel by making it operate at the most efficient combination of voltage and
current, also known as ‘maximum power point’. An MPPT charge controller converts the solar-
generated voltage into the optimal voltage so as to provide the maximum charging current to the
battery. The main purpose of the MPPT solar charge controller is not only to prevent your solar
power system from losing from the solar-generated power but also to get the maximum power
from the solar array. An MPPT solar charge regulator forces a solar panel to operate at a voltage
close to its maximum power point. Another benefit of an MPPT controller is that it reduces the
wire size (gauge) needed for the wires connecting the solar array to the controller.
This is due to the wide input voltage range which allows you to connect many solar panels in
series, which increases the voltage but the amps stay the same.
MPPT controllers are more expensive than PWM ones but also more efficient in terms of adding
additional losses to the system. [15]
Figure 24 Smart solar charge controller[14]

3.4. WORKING PRINCIPLE

3.4.1. Working Principle of Solar Powered Grass Cutter
The working principle of solar grass and crop cutter is it has a panel arrangement at an in such a
way that can receive solar radiation with high intensity easily from the sun. The solar panel
converts solar energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored in batteries by using
a solar charger. The main function of the solar charger is to increase the current from the panel
while batteries are charging. And charge control pleas between the panel and the battery to
control the current flow. The motor is connected to batteries through connecting wires and it
have speed control to control the speed of the motor. Between these mechanical circuit breaker
switch is provided. It starts and stops the working of the motor. From this motor, power transmits
to the mechanism and this makes the blade to rotate on the shaft this makes to cut the crop and
grass.
Solar Charge
panel controll
er
Charging circuit
Battery Switch Motor
Figure 25 Circuit diagram Proposed Cutter
The designed solar powered lawn mower comprises of direct current (d.c motor), a rechargeable
battery, solar panel, a stainless steel blade and control switch. Rotation is achieved by the
electrical motor which provides the required torque needed to drive the stainless steel blade
which is coupled to the shaft and to the motor. The solar powered lawn mower is a operated by
the switch on the board which closes the circuit and allows the flow of current to the motor
which in turn drive the blade used for mowing. The battery recharges through the solar charging
controller, performance evaluation of the developed machine was carried out with different types
of grasses and crop

CHAPTER FOUR
4. DESIGN ANALYSIS
The project is designed to use the renewable source of energy as in solar energy and use it to
drive a cutter fitted with different accessories and cut the grass and crop. The grass and crop
cutting blade of spiral shape is linked with the mechanism which is driven by a battery where the
charge is stored via solar panel. Also Design calculation is performed according to the need of
the customer keeping in mind the safety of the farmer and to design an effective model with all
requirement of the farmer.
4.1. Design Consideration
Several design factors should be taken into account for the economical and efficient development
of a solar lawn mower. These are considerations that should be put in place during the design
process so as to ensure optimal productivity of the machine. Listed below are the design
considerations:
 The blade geometry and shape.
 Materials consideration of the blade.
 The r.p.m consideration.
 The motor size.
 The power rating of the solar panel e.t.c.
1. Solar panel calculation
 Power = 100W
 Voltage = 12V
 W = V*I
 I=W/V
Current draw of the solar panel = power/voltage
=
= 8.33Ah
2. Battery
 Charging time of battery
The equation used to find the peak hours required to charge the battery is given as:
Where H=peak hours required, Ah=battery capacity, A= current Of the PV panel. [16]

Time (H) =
(H) = =2.2hr
This means 2.2 hour are required to charge the battery from fully discharged to fully charged
state. The other thing that has to be considered is the solar panel charges the battery even while
the machine is in operation.
 Battery Run Time Calculator
To calculate how long a battery will last, we need two figures; the battery’s capacity and how
much current will be drawn by the motor.
Batteries measure their capacity in milliamp hours, mAh. This states how many hours the battery
can supply 1 mA of current, or how many mA of current it can supply for one hour.
The current draw depends on the motor, for this, we can refer to the datasheets found on the
product pages. The Typical Performance Characteristics graph shows how the current varies with
the input voltage (vibration motors) or with the torque load (DC and gear motors, at rated
voltage). [17]
Battery Run Time= Battery Capacity in mAh / Load Current in mA
RT=AH/LC
RT=43/20.8=2.07hr
3. Blade Design
In designing the cutting blade, the force required to cut the lawn as well as the force acting on the
blade was considered.
Large circle diameter = 250mm
Hence R2 = 125mm
Small circle diameter = 120mm
Hence R1= 60mm
Ratio of the Blade
( ) =( ) =0.2304mm
Area of Blade
=
=

Circumference of the Blade

2 =23.142(125-60)
=408.5
Speed Required (N)
=1085rpm 1100rpm
𝐓𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞

Volume of the blade = area of the blade ∗ thickness
Volume of the blade = 13275 mm2 ∗ 4 mm
= 53100 mm3
𝐓𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞
Mass = density ∗ volume
= 7850 ∗ 5.31x 10-5m3 = 0.42kg
𝐓𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞

Weight of the blade = mass of the blade ∗ acc due to gravity
= 0.42 kg ∗ 9.81 ms-2
= 4.089N
To determine the torque
Radius of the blade
= 125 mm = 0.125 m
Torque = weight of the blade ∗ radius of the blade

Torque = 4.089N ∗ 0.125 m
Torque = 0.511144Nm
𝐓𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲
Where, N = 1000,
∗ ∗

=104.67 ⁄
To determine the power generated at the blade

Power generated at the blade = Torque ∗ angular velocity
= ∗
To convert kilowatt to horsepower

Since 1KW is equivalent to 1.341 metric HP Therefore,
0.0535 KW is equivalent to 0.0717 Hp
For design purpose 1Hp will be used for this project, so that it provides the required torque in
other to cut all types of grass effectively.
Hence, the centrifugal force according to Khurmi and Gupta
Fc=
Hence, Fc = 4.089 × (104.67)2 × 0.125
= 5.599kN
3. Selection of electric motor
A) DC motor SPEED (N) = 3500rpm
B) RPM VOLTAGE (V) = 48 VOLT
C) WATTS = 1000 WATT
Torque of the motor
A) Torque (T) = (P X 60) / (2 X 3.14 X N)
i.e. Torque = 0.758N-mm

B) The shaft is made of MS and its allowable shear stress = 300 MPa
Cutting Force on the Blade
Where, diameter of blade = 250 mm or 0.25 m
Therefore, F = =5067.4N
Factor of Safety, FS
FS =
But, maximum Stress =
= =381.725N/m
Allowable Working Stress
From the above equation

A is area of the blade (i.e. 13.275m2)
Also from the above equation
Working Stress
=52.4634N/m
FS =
= ⁄
=7.2760 =7
Process Efficiency of the Machine
During testing, one square meter of grass was cut in 20 minutes. [5,6]
∗
Therefore, the Process efficiency=
∗
=66.67%
=67%

CHAPTER FIVE
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1. Implementation Of Fabrication Process
We think that the fabrication process well take same step. We haven’t fabricated the machine
because of time limitation but we give the idea haw to fabricate.
The mechanical aspect comprises of several parts which are coupled together to form a frame for
the seat for the battery and the trimming head the house for the motor which are the blade
connecting to it. Mild steel of thickness (4mm) was used to design the frame, supported the
trimming head. The belt (harness) was placed in such a way as to provide a carry of the shaft.
The body of the trimming head area was made of mild steel and designed to making it possible to
carry out frame attachment, house for the motor and blade beneath. All joining processes were
done using welding and fasteners. The blade was made of mild steel material of thickness (1mm)
and was incorporated to the shaft of the electric motor. The blade was designed in such a way as
to create polarity when cutting grasses and crop at different height and also to prevent the blade
from wobbling. The blade was screwed directly to the shaft of motor so as to generate the speed
transmitted from the motor to achieve efficient cutting operation. The fabrication process
involved various manufacturing operations such as; marking out, cutting, grinding, and shaping,
drilling and welding.
5.2. Comparative Study
Comparing the theoretical solar powered crop and grass cutter to the conventional gasoline lawn
mower, the following factors were observed;
Solar powered crop and
Conventional Mower Factor
grass cutter
Causes more pollution Clean and pollution free Air Pollution
Less More Effort
More Less Maintenance required
More Less Noise Pollution
Less More Efficiency
Complex Simple Construction
Table 2 Comparative study

From the factors determined above, the solar operated cutter will be used effectively in the
following applications;
5.3. Applications
 Used in harvesting crop
 Used in gardens
 Used in play grounds
 Road side grass and small plant cutting
 Nursery applications
5.4. Discussion
The efficiency of the solar powered crop and grass cutter theatrically designed and developed is
85% which is well above average and this is due to the power output of the electric motor which
drives the blade attached to the shaft of the motor. The 100W solar panel is able to adequately
charge the battery (43Ah), for a period of approximately 2.2 hours, which is being regulated by
the charge controller, however, the speed of the motor which is 3000rpm rotates the blade
causing it to cut the grass and crop until the battery completely discharges. it is environmentally
friendly, in that there’s zero emission of carbon monoxide and the noise generated is relatively
low when compared with the noise generated by a lawn mower powered by internal combustion
engine. The fundamental reasons responsible for the power output which results into 85%
efficiency of the electric motor are; the power rating of the solar panel, the speed (in rpm) of the
electric motor used for the development and the size and material of the blade. The
electromechanical energy ratio between the electric motor and the blade is sufficient which
results to the maximum efficiency of the solar powered crop and grass cutter.
5.5. Cost analysis
In today’s competitive business environment, pricing strategy can be a critical factor that can
make the difference between success and failure. Organizations that are cost efficient would
have a clear competitive advantage, therefore accurate and timely cost information can go a long
way in helping these organizations become successful. Organizations also need to control their
cost through effective budgeting and variance analysis. This will enable them to quickly take
corrective action and steer the organization back on track. In the same way we also try to
calculate the cost analysis of the machine of our project. We can determined the final price by
the knowing how much material cost.

S/N ITEMS SPECIFICATI QUANTITY RATE COST

ON
1 DC Motor 12V, 3000rpm 1 3,000 3,000
2 Charge controller MPPT 1 1,000 1,000
3 Switch 1 50 50
4 Handle 1 150 150
5 Battery 12V, 43Ah 1 2,000 2,000
6 Solar panel 100W 1 10,000 10,000
7 Blade 1 X 1 Inch 1 600 600
8 frame 1 500 500
9 Protect cover 1 600 600
(paddy)
10 Box 1
11 Fastening Bolt and nut 10 75 75
12 Electrical wiring 1 250 250

13 belt 1 100 100
14 Total =18,650 =18,650
Table 3 cost analysis

CHAPTER SIX
6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1. CONCLUSIONS
In the world today, all machines are designed with the aim of reducing or eliminating greenhouse
gas emissions which is the major causes of climate change. This solar powered crop and grass
cutter will meet the challenge of environmental production and low cost of operation since
there is no cost for fueling. Design of the Solar powered crop and grass cutter is generally
environmental friendly, very easy to construct, occupy less space and light in weight and its
working is also very simple, cheap machine and mainly saving human power, time. e.t.c and also
encourages environmental sustainability due to zero production of greenhouse gases, it also cost
effective as solar panel requires little to no service cost compared to conventional gasoline
operated lawn mower. designed accordingly to the requirement for farming, and other user the
work was an attempt made to achieve many objective like to obtain efficient crop and grass
cutter which is economical to farmer and other, ecological balance from pollution, use of
available resource (solar energy), reduce maintenance cost, and also to overcome the non-
availability of labor and huge investment in labor was reduced. The crop cutting time was
reduced which increased the productivity and profit to small scale farmers having land less than
2 acres. The success of this machine depends on how the farmers use this machine. A solar
powered crop and grass cutter has been developed for the use of residences and establishments
that have lawns where tractor driven mowers could not be used. The machine’s capacity is
adequate for its purpose. The machine has proved to be a possible replacement for the gasoline
powered lawn mowers. The cost of this machines considerably less as compare to manual grass
and crop cutter. Also the usage of this machine makes the grass cutting process faster by
reducing the cutting time. Besides that, it is lighter, environmental friendly and cost effective
which is helpful for non-commercial use (home users) in maintaining and trimming the grass in
gardens, schools, gardens and playgrounds. Home, or yards.

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
From the design generated, it can be recommended that a solar panel higher current draw should
be used so as to completely charge the battery in a shorter period to enhance more working hours
of the machine. A battery of more ampere-hours should be used also to enhance more working
hours of the machine. The speed of the electric motor is sufficient enough to cut all types of grass
which results to deriving maximum efficiency. Also, the design of the blade should be shaped
such that it enhances better angle of cut. Finally, an obstacle sensor should be incorporated to the
machine so as to detect obstacles ahead while the machine is propelled forward to prevent it from
causing wear on the surface of the blade and crack on the solar panel this would further enhance
efficiency.

References
[1] https://news.mit.edu
[2] https://energypedia.info/wiki/Ethiopia_Energy_Situation
[3] https://www.grasscuttermachine.com/history
[4] https://www.aimspress.com/article/doi/10.3934/energy.2021001?viewType=HTML
[5] anwara godwin ibe, design of a hand – held grass mower
[6] Solomon Adebayo, design and fabrication of a solar operated lawnmower
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/
[8] Letsavelectricity.com
[9] Climatebiz.com
[10] alfa-wheels.com
[11] www.indiamart.com
[12] www.windynation.com
[13] www.renvu.com
[14] Bestofsolarenergy.com
[15] Solarknowhow.com
[16] Solarpanelsvenue.com
[17] www.dnkpower.com
[18] www.precisionmicrodrives.com
[19] www.ijisrt.com
[20] Ahamad, 2008. Feseability Study on Design of Grass Removing Machine, Melaka:
University of Teknikal Malaysia.
[21] Bidgar, P. et al., 2017.Design and Implementation of Automatic Solar Grass Cutter.
International journal of advanced research in electrical,electronics and instrumentation
enginering, 6(4), p. 2433
[22] D, S. & Ramalingeswara, 2015. Design and Fabrication of lever operated Solar Lawn
Mower Research, 4(8).
[23] Khurmi, R. & Gupta, J., 2000. Theory of machines. Delhi: Eurasia Publishers limited.
[24] Kumar A, Shrivastava A, Tiwari A, Sharma N. Fully Automated Solar Grass Cutter. Int. J.
Sci. Res. Dev, 2017; 5(1):519–520
[25] Chia J. Design and Fabrication of Portable Lawn Mower. Multimedia Univeristy (MMU),

[26] Singh, M. et al., 2016. A review and comparative analysis of solar, electric and gasoline
lawn mowers:An extensive study. International journal of innovative science, engineering and
technology, 3(4), pp.371-375.
[27]. Tanimola, Diabana & Bankole, 2014. Design and development of a solar powered lawn
mower. international journal of scientific & engineering research, 5(6), pp. 216-217.
[28]. Venkatesh, K., Priyanka, K., Sridhar, R. & Sakthivel, A., 2015. Fabrication and Analysis of
Lawn Mower. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and
Technology, 4(6), p.606.
[29] Satwik, D. & Ramalingeswara, 2015. Design and Fabrication of lever operated Solar Lawn
Mower and Contact Stress anaysis of Spur Gears. International journal of Science, Engineering
and Technology Research, 4(8).
[30]. Gu Guanhui, Crane Johne, Hornberger George, Caricco Amanda, The effects of household
management practices on the global warming potential of urban lawns, Journal of Environmental
Management, Vol. 151, 2015, Pp. 233–242.

Appendix
1. Box

2. belt
3. frame

4. handling

5. gear box head

6.protecter

7. cutter

8. battery
9. solar panel

10.motor components






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ASSOSA UNIVERSITY

COLLAGE OF ENGENEERING DEPARTMENT OF

1. YOHANNES SHEWANGZAW RU 0697/09

1. YOHANNES SHEWANGZAW _____________

ii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Keywords: AC, DC Motor, N-Type, P-Type, PV Cell, rotational blade

iii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

iv ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

v ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

5.2. Comparative Study...................................................................................................................... 36

vi ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

vii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

viii ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 1 solar irradiation in Ethiopia

2 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 2 First lawn mower[3]

3 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 3 Silens Messor grass cutting machine[3]

Figure 4 Side-wheel push mower[3]

Figure 5 Steam Lawn Movers[3]

Figure 6 gas powered lomovers and push movers[3]

Figure 7 Small, light lawn mowers[3]

Figure 8 first solar robot lawnmower[3]

5 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 9 Robotic Lawnmower[3]

6 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 10 Farmers cutting crop[7]

1.3. Objective of the study

7 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

8 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1.6 . Limitation Of The Study

9 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1.7. Significant of the study

Figure 11 Political map of Ethiopia[7]

10 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

11 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

12 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

13 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

14 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

15 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

16 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

17 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

3.2. Steps for Selection of Material for the Components

S/N COMPONENTS MATERIAL REASONS FOR

8 Protect cover (paddy) Mild Steel Strength, Resistance to corrosion

9 Trimming head Mild Steel Strength,Resistance to corrosion

10 Electrical wiring Copper Good conductor of electric city

11 Belt Cotton Flexibly, durable and comfortable

20 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

21 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Figure 14 Dokio Mon crystalline solar panel

23 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

i. The strength of the blade material

Figure 17 40-tooth brush cutter blade

24 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

TRIMMING HEAD (GEARHEAD)

Figure 20 trimming head

25 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

 PROTECT COVER (PADDY)

Figure 21 protect cover (paddy)

26 ASSOSA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING