1. The three-dimensional model of a single-acting PDH was successfully created in SolidWorks 2013, and optimum part dimensions were achieved by doing FE analysis in ANSYS R15.0 workbench software. The simulation was very helpful to understand the effect of different forces on the model.
2. The stress induced and the deformation of each component were found to be less than the allowable stress and maximum deformation of the material selected which signifies the safe design of implement.
3. FEM enables to optimize and simulate the complex agricultural machinery and to investigate the stresses and deformations induced in the parts well before product development to avoid failure in the later phase of field evaluation.
4. The developed single-acting PDH (1.50×1.15×1.03 m) with a total weight of 382 kg was rigorously tested in the field, and it could be operated successfully up to an operating depth of 14 cm and forward speed of 7 km h-1 in sandy clay loam soil at an average moisture content of 12±0.75 % (db). The draft required to operate the PDH at an operating depth of 12 cm was found to be varying from 2.01 to 2.65 kN during the first pass and 1.66 kN to 2.55 kN during the second pass when operated at forward speeds of 3.69 to 6.55 km h-1.
5. The actual field capacity of the developed PDH, when operated at an average depth of 12 cm during the first pass, was found to be 0.37, 0.45 and 0.57 ha h-1 at 3.69, 4.67 and 6.55 km h-1 forward speeds, respectively. Maximum field efficiency of 81.35% was found at 12 cm depth and 3.69 km h-1 forward speed during the first pass, while minimum field efficiency of 68.8% was found at 12 cm depth and 6.55 km h-1 forward speed during the second pass of tillage operation.