The Design of a Commercial Vibrating Digger Blade Prototype

The latest evolution of an experimental prototype of a vibrating digger blade for harvesting sweet potatoes is described. In 1994, after several series of formal tests with a research machine, a mode of vibration which appeared optimal was determined. A prototype vibrating digger blade which would retro-fit a commercial sweet potato digger was designed. This paper describes the design and testing of the blade. The blade was fitted on one side of a two-row commercial digger. Though testing was limited and conditions were not ideal, the vibrating blade showed much better soil flow than the fixed blade. This indicated that development of the system should be continued.¹