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Power Weeder / Power Tiller

A power weeder or power tiller is a walk-behind single-axle tractor with a small diesel or petrol engine, used for primary tillage, puddling, inter-row weeding and trailer haulage on small holdings, terraced fields and in inter-row work in plantation and orchard crops where a four-wheel tractor cannot operate.

Function

The engine drives a PTO output via a gearbox and clutch. Interchangeable implements - rotavator, cultivator, ridger (Ridger Plough) or trailer - mount on this output. The operator walks behind, steering by handlebar-mounted clutches.

Design and specifications

Power tillers fall in the 5-16 HP single-axle category. Major Indian models include the VST Shakti 130, 135 and 165 DI (13-16 HP), the Kirloskar KMW Mega T (12 HP) and the Honda FJ500, F300 and FQ650 series. All commercial models are tested by the Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute (CFMTTI) Budni and the regional FMTTIs at Hisar, Anantapur and Biswanath.

Operation

The operator selects forward speed and PTO speed via the gearbox and engages the implement. The power tiller is particularly useful in puddled paddy fields when fitted with Cage Wheels Tractor, and in narrow inter-row spaces in orchards where a Mini Tractor cannot turn. It is the workhorse implement of smallholder mechanisation across hilly states, the Krishna-Godavari delta and West Bengal.

Subsidy and adoption

A valid FMTTI test report is mandatory for SMAM subsidy eligibility. Power tillers are subsidised at 40-50% for individual farmers and 80% for CHC procurement (Agri Machinery Dealer Ecosystem).

See also: Rotavator, Roto Puddler, Disc Rotavator, Cage Wheels Tractor, Ridger Plough, Paddy Bund Former, Brush Cutter Trimmer.

References

  1. CFMTTI Budni - Machines List. Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Budni.
  2. VST Shakti 165 DI Power Tiller. BuyTiller.