DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BANANA FROND SHREDDING MACHINE WITH FOUR BLADES FOR ANIMAL FEED

The banana frond shredder is designed to chop banana fronds into small-sized pieces. Farmers often rely on manual shredding methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Technology-assisted machinery offers a more efficient and practical solution for this task. This research presents the design and development of a banana frond shredding machine aimed at improving the production efficiency of animal feed for small–to–medium-scale farmers. The machine is equipped with four carbon steel blades, each measuring 30 cm in length and 3 mm in thickness, and operates via a pulley and A-type V-belt transmission system powered by a 372-watt electric motor. Mechanical element calculations including torque, shear stress, shaft twist angle, blade force, and frame strength indicate that all components are within safe limits. The optimal shaft diameter is 22 mm, and the maximum bending stress in the frame reaches only 29.24 MPa out of a 250 MPa allowable limit, with a safety factor of 8.56. Experimental testing shows that the machine is capable of shredding 2 kg of banana fronds in an average time of 36.99 seconds, with a throughput capacity of 194.4 kg/hour. The machine operates stably and produces uniform shreds. In conclusion, this machine offers an effective, appropriate technology solution to enhance farmers' productivity.