Short Communication: Design and development of a date palm pruner

Abstract: Date palm pruning is one of many services to be carried out in the date palm growing fields. It is the elimination of a great part of dry frond bases around the tree trunk to protect the tree from the inhibitors and accumulated rain and the possibility of infection with fungal diseases. An experimental prototype of a hand held pruner is developed, fabricated and tested under laboratory conditions. The developed pruner can be operated using various types of prime movers such as drills, hydraulic motors, pneumatic actuators or mechanical drivers. A cordless drill drive is used to drive the pruner and has been tested. Test results showed that low feed rates produced a cleaner cut surface. More field tests are needed to examine prototype performance under field conditions.