Pea threshing machine

Types of pea threshing machines

The pea threshing machine serves a vital purpose in the agricultural economy and comes in a variety of types, each with its own features, pros, and cons.

• Drum-type threshers

  This is the most common type of threshing machine. At present, many threshing machines for peas on the market use drum-type threshing methods. The main principle is to use a rotating drum fitted with padded or patterned cylinders to strike the harvested peas. This strikes them gently, separating them from their pods. The striking mechanism used in drum threshers takes many different forms. Other designs also incorporate an additional separating unit at the end.

  Drum threshers are easy to operate and efficient, resulting in high throughput. However, they may damage seeds or pods if the drum speed is excessive or there is pod-seed congestion.

• Screw-type threshers

  Screw-type threshers operate based on the principle of frictional separation. They use a rotating screw or auger to convey the harvested crop. As the auger moves forward, it gently presses the pods. At the same time, it exerts enough force to separate the mature peas from the pod. The process is gentle and efficient, resulting in minimal damage to the peas. This makes screw threshers well-suited for threshing delicate or high-value crops like peas. However, their capacity may be lower than that of drum threshers. They may be more suitable for small to medium-scale farming operations.

• Pin rack threshers

  Pin rack threshers use a set of pins arranged on a rack to separate the peas from the pods. Here, the pods are gently crushed, and the peas are released and collected for further processing. Pin rack threshers are usually gentle and thereby prevent damage to the peas. They are ideal for use in small-scale farming and niche applications. One drawback of pin rack threshers is that they can be slower and less efficient than drum or drum-type threshers.

• Hand-held electric pea threshers

  Many manufacturers now produce electrical hand-held pea threshers. They usually feature a thresher bowl consisting of a round metal or plastic plate with holes. The peas and pods go through the holes. The peas fall from the pods and get collected in a container below. The hand-held threshers are portable, easy to use, and affordable. However, they usually have low-capacity threshing and are only ideal for small-scale use.

• Gas-powered threshers

  These machines use an internal combustion engine to provide the necessary power for the threshing process, offering greater independence from electrical sources. Gas-powered threshers excel in off-grid locations lacking consistent electricity, ensuring reliable operation in diverse rural settings. Their robust designs accommodate the rigors of outdoor use, coupled with engine types tailored for agricultural applications. However, considerations regarding fuel consumption and emissions make them potentially less environmentally friendly than electric options.

Specifications and maintenance of pea threshing machines

The specification and proper maintenance of a pea threshing machine is necessary to know for business buyers.

• Machine Type

  Pea threshing machines can be stand-alone units or parts of larger assembly lines for processing dried peas. The stand-alone units usually have a separate motor to drive the threshing cylinder, while the assembly line machines are generally powered by the main motor in the processing unit.

• Power Source

  A threshing machine can be a manually operated machine or a powered machine that runs on electricity or petrol or diesel power. In the case of electricity, the machine will have a three-phase motor. The motor horsepowers vary from 3 hp to 5 hp, depending on the machine's size and capacity. Smaller machines with around 2 hp can also be powered by single-phase electricity.

• Capacity

  Machines with a capacity of 300 to 500 kg/hr. are usually used for threshing peas. The capacity will depend on whether the machine is used in a farm setting or an industrial set. Larger processing units can have machines that can handle 1,000 to 2,000 kgs./hr.

• Age of Peas

  Dried peas must be at least six months old to be suitable for threshing. The ideal conditions for storage are dry and cool places with temperatures between 10°C to 15°C. Proper storage is required if the threshing is to occur more than one year after the harvest.

• Paying Attention to Belts and Bearings

  Both the powered and non-powered machines have belts and bearings that need to be checked regularly. The belts should not be frayed or loose but firmly placed on the pulleys. The bearings should not make any noise and rotate smoothly inside their casings.

• Regular Lubrication

  It is essential to keep the machine running smoothly. All moving parts should be oiled, including chains, gears, and bearings. A schedule for lubrication should be laid out depending on the machine's usage.

• Cleaning the Machine

  After the threshing operation, all parts should be cleaned of any debris or split peas. Compressed air can be used for hard-to-reach areas. Any spilled oil should be cleaned immediately to prevent any fires. Regular cleaning and maintenance manuals should be followed to avoid the build-up of any split peas, which are highly combustible.

Scenarios of pea threshing machines

Deep analysis of the performance of threshing machines shows that they are widely used in agricultural-related businesses and institutions. Here are some of the distinct scenarios where they are commonly applied.

• Large-scale agriculture: Farmers in large-scale farms who grow peas and other legumes as staple food or commercial products have to invest in efficient threshing systems. Machines with high capacity, such as air-threshing machines, are ideal for use in such scenarios.
• Grain processing plants: Legumes and peas are important raw materials in the food industry. Processing plants use machines for large-scale efficienct thresing. The quality of legumes is maintained, and processing time efficiency is improved.
• Agricultural research and breeding: .Agricultural institutions that focus on breeding and legume research use threshers for small- and mid-scale threshing. They prefer to use specialized machines with different types and models of pea threshing machines to study distinct qualities and varieties of peas.
• Organic farms: Farmers who practice organic farming need threshers that separate the grain with minimal disturbance to maintain the organic standards. A high-performance threshing machine also helps to reduce the use of chemicals and preserves the quality of the final product.

How to choose a pea threshing machine

When buying a threshing machine for peas, one should consider the following features:

• Ease of operation

  It should be easy to use so as not to give operators a hard time during threshing tasks. Machines with simple starters, intuitive controls, and clear instructions are easy to operate. Additionally, a threshing machine with an adjustable speed allows operators to settle on a pace that seems comfortable to them.

• Safety features

  Due to the moving parts, loud noise, and vibrations, threshing machines can pose numerous threats to operators. Therefore, when selecting a threshing machine, choose models with additional safety features. Such safety features include emergency stop buttons, safety guards and shields covering dangerous parts, and noise and vibration mitigation systems. Operators will be kept safe, and their overall health will be improved by the latter.

• Easy accessibility

  Maintenance is important for the efficient operation of a threshing machine and prolonging its lifespan. So, go for machines that allow easy access to critical components such as gears, blades, and belts. Moreover, the machine should come with user-friendly manuals that explain the maintenance processes in detail.

• Efficiency

  Efficiency is among many things one looks at when purchasing a threshing machine. But in this case, it is not energy efficiency but rather threshing efficiency. The primary purpose of a threshing machine is to separate peas from pods quickly and efficiently. Choose a machine with a powerful motor and smooth feeding mechanisms that prevent clogging for efficient threshing.

• Adaptability

  Peas come in different varieties, each with its unique characteristics. As a result, threshing machines are not one-size-fits-all. Some machines work better with certain pea varieties than others. Adaptable threshing machines have adjustable separating mechanisms, letting them handle diverse pea varieties effectively.

• Quality of build

  The durability of a threshing machine greatly depends on its build quality. When buying, choose machines made of high-quality and durable materials. Opt for those with corrosion-resistant components. Such machines will handle the stresses of frequent use and adverse environmental conditions.

• Power source

  A threshing machine's power source has a say in things like mobility, dependability, and performance. Depending on the business purpose, choose a machine with a suitable power source. For instance, a mechanical threshing machine powered by a tractor will suit a large-scale agriculture business. In contrast, a diesel-powered threshing machine suits a small-scale agriculture business.

FAQ

Q1: How does a threshing machine work?

A1: The threshing machine works by creating an environment where straw breaking, the grain dislodging, and separating can take place, in addition to the critical tasks of winnowing and bagging the final product. Modern machines do this by taking the in-fed crops through a series of rotating paddles, rollers, and bolts.

Q2: What are the main types of threshing machines?

A2: There are four main types of threshing machines: cross-threshers, disc-threshers, axial-threshers, and bowl-threshers. Each of them works differently and may be used for specific types of crops. The cross-threshers are mostly used for small-scale operations and are integrated into many small milling machines.

Q3: What are the advantages of using a pea-threshing machine?

A3: Large-scale commercial farmers do not have the luxury of time or manual labor to help them harvest their crops quickly enough to make a profit. The advantages of using a threshing machine include saving time and effort, greater profitability by being able to harvest large crops, greater efficiency in extracting grains from crops, and reducing the labor needed to harvest crops manually.

Q4: What is the difference between a pea-threshing machine and a separator?

A4: The main tasks carried out by a threshing machine include breaking the straw, dislodging the grain, separating the grain from the husk, and winnowing the grain to separate it from the chaff. A separator does precisely what its name suggests. It separates the various components of matter but does not carry out the other activities that a threshing machine does.