CONVERSION OF A MOTORCYCLE INTO A FUNCTIONAL PLOWING

MACHINE FOR AGRICULTURAL USAGE

An Undergraduate Thesis Presented to

The Faculty of College of Engineering & Architecture
Surigao Education Center

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

By:

LANCE LOUIE B. GEMOLA

JOSHUA P. GASAPO
CHARYSSE MAE B. OPEÑA

December, 2024
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

Transforming a motorcycle into a plowing machine presents an innovative approach

to addressing agricultural challenges, particularly in areas where access to traditional tractors

or plowing equipment is limited. This solution leverages the affordability, accessibility, and

versatility of motorcycles to meet the needs of small-scale farmers who require efficient and

cost-effective tools for soil preparation. By modifying a widely available vehicle, farmers can

reduce reliance on expensive machinery while enhancing productivity.

The process of conversion involves adapting the motorcycle's structure and

functionality to accommodate plowing attachments. Key modifications may include

reinforcing the frame, integrating a plow blade, and optimizing the power transmission to

ensure the machine can handle the stresses of tilling soil. The lightweight design of a

motorcycle also makes it easier to maneuver in tight or uneven terrains, offering a practical

solution for farms with diverse landscapes.

This initiative not only promotes technological innovation in agriculture but also

supports sustainability by repurposing existing machinery. It has the potential to empower

rural communities, improve farming efficiency, and reduce costs, ultimately contributing to

food security and economic development. By exploring such creative adaptations,

smallholder farmers can bridge the gap between traditional methods and modern farming

technologies.
 Review of Related Literature

Research and innovations in agricultural mechanization have long focused on

providing cost-effective solutions for small-scale farmers. Studies show that traditional

plowing methods, such as using animals or manual labor, are labor-intensive and time-

consuming. Meanwhile, modern tractors, though efficient, are often too expensive and

impractical for small farms. This gap has led to the exploration of alternative tools and

technologies, including the adaptation of existing vehicles like motorcycles for agricultural

purposes.

Motorcycle-based machinery has been investigated in several contexts for its

affordability, accessibility, and adaptability. Literature highlights the success of similar

modifications, such as converting motorcycles into water pumps, transport carriers, or small

farming equipment. These adaptations often rely on simple mechanical adjustments to

increase the utility of motorcycles in rural areas, where infrastructure and resources are

limited.

Furthermore, small-scale mechanization has been linked to improved productivity,

reduced labor costs, and better time management for farmers. Research emphasizes that

lightweight, versatile machines, such as modified motorcycles, can efficiently handle tasks

like plowing, seeding, and soil tilling. This literature underscores the potential of such

innovations in promoting sustainable farming, improving livelihoods, and bridging the gap

between traditional and modern agricultural practices.

 Small-scale farmers may find it feasible to switch from draft animals to all-wheel-

drive motorbikes, especially in areas where draft animals are still widely used. The study

emphasizes benefits including higher productivity and the possibility of smaller, less

expensive machinery in comparison to conventional tractors. The authors talk about how

crucial it is to do real-world testing and get input from farmers in order to improve the design.

(Guillermo F. et al., 2021)

The creation of an affordable, adaptable tractor intended especially for small-scale

farmers in rural areas with limited resources. The goal of the project is to harness

motorcyclists' familiarity and appeal to develop a tractor platform that is both inexpensive

and locally producible. It seeks to provide a more efficient, easily repairable, and ecological

alternative to costly machinery and traditional draft animals. (Collin Goldbach, 2024)

The study found that the Motor King tricycle, which is usually utilized for

transportation, can be modified to perform tillage work. It was discovered to have a sturdy

enough chassis for agricultural use and sufficient power to sustain fieldwork. According to

the study, light tools with a maximum operating width of 40 cm should be utilized in

medium-to-light soil conditions. When utilizing a single furrow moldboard plow in sandy

loam soil, the tricycle demonstrated an effective field capacity of 0.15 ha/hr while using 0.9

liters of fuel per hour. Furthermore, the tricycle's depreciation rate for agricultural use was

deemed positive, suggesting that it was economically feasible. (Hamadou H., et al., 2024)
 The factors influencing the adoption of mechanized tools in farming practices,

emphasizing the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, landholding patterns, and access

to agricultural services. Key findings indicate that farmers' education, income, and access to

resources like training and communication tools significantly affect their likelihood of

adopting machinery.Bangladesh's population growth and declining agricultural labor force

offer serious problems for the country's food security. This offers a chance, though, to accept

agricultural mechanization at the right scale as a crucial remedy. The advantages of

mechanization, including time savings, increased productivity, lower costs, and increased

profitability, are also becoming more widely acknowledged by farmers. The upcoming years

will see a broad adoption of mechanization technologies thanks to this change in perception.

(Bristy Banik, 2019)

The growth of smaller engines and machinery services in rural South Asia has

significantly transformed agricultural and rural economies. These technologies have lowered

entry barriers for small entrepreneurs, increased access to mechanized services for

smallholder farmers, and enhanced agricultural productivity. They highlight how market-

driven innovations have enabled a more decentralized, inclusive model of mechanization,

contrasting with traditional state-led approaches. The authors emphasize the importance of

supporting such market-based developments through policies that foster innovation,

entrepreneurship, and equitable access to technology. (Scott Justice and Stephen Biggs, 2020)

The review of (Mrutyunjay P., et al., 2024) emphasizes the transformative role of

UAVs in addressing challenges unique to hill farming. The paper highlights their
applications in precision agriculture, including monitoring crop health, efficient resource

management, and improving productivity. It underscores the importance of integrating

advanced technologies, such as multi-spectral sensors and autonomous systems, to optimize

operations while reducing environmental impact. The review also addresses key challenges

like cost, infrastructure, and policy barriers, calling for tailored solutions to maximize the

potential of UAVs in hilly terrains.

The study of (Novita P., et al., 2024) examines the role of agricultural technology in

driving lexical innovation within rice farming in Bekasi Regency. The authors found that

modern agricultural tools have introduced both internal and external lexical changes, such as

word formation through affixation and blending, and the borrowing of external terms.

However, traditional agricultural vocabulary is at risk of disappearing, emphasizing the dual

impact of technological advancements on linguistic and cultural heritage.

The study of (Gabriel A., et al., 2024) the psychometric properties of the LatinCAM

scale in assessing aggressive behaviors among motorcycle riders. It validates the scale's

construct and highlights its effectiveness in identifying cultural and regional differences in

aggression levels. The findings provide valuable insights into designing targeted

interventions and policies to improve road safety by addressing aggression-related behaviors

among motorcyclists in these two regions.

 Conceptual Framework

The first stage of the conceptual framework focuses on the input, which includes

several key elements crucial to the successful conversion of a motorcycle into a functional

plowing machine. The input consists of the motorcycle specifications, which provide the

baseline for the conversion process, the design of the plowing mechanism, material selection

for durability and efficiency, and precise measurements to ensure compatibility with the

motorcycle. These components are essential in developing a machine that can meet the

specific needs of small-scale farmers.

The second stage is the process, which involves the design and fabrication of the

plowing machine. This phase starts with the creation of detailed plans for how the

motorcycle will be adapted to incorporate the plowing mechanism. Once the design is

finalized, the fabrication of the machine begins, followed by rigorous testing and evaluation

to assess its performance, durability, and effectiveness in real agricultural conditions.

The final stage is the output, where the converted motorcycle plowing machine is

completed and ready for practical use. This output is a fully functional, adapted motorcycle

designed to meet the needs of small-scale farmers, with the performance and design tested

and refined for optimal agricultural productivity.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Motorcycle  Design and  Converted

Specification Fabrication motorcycle
plowing machine
 Plowing  Testing and
mechanism Evaluation
design

 Material
Selection and
tools

Figure 1. Paradigm of the study

 Statement of the Problem

This Research Project seeks to develop a system that convert of a motorcycle into a

plowing machine for agriculture aims to address the challenge of limited access to affordable,

farming equipment in rural areas. Specifically, this seeks to answer the following:

A. Will the conversion of the motorcycle into a plowing machine be cost-effective?

B. What are the design, material, and engineering considerations required for this

conversion?
 Significance of the Study

This study offers significant benefits to the agricultural sector by providing an

innovative solution for small-scale farmers who own and operate plowing machines. By

converting a motorcycle into a functional plowing machine, this technology enables farmers

to increase their productivity, improve land preparation, and enhance the efficiency of their

farming operations. The machine is designed to effectively till dry land, a crucial feature that

supports the cultivation of various crops, especially in areas with limited access to traditional,

large-scale agricultural equipment.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The goal of the project is to create a motorcycle in to a plowing machine and

modifying the tilling blades that increase the quality and capability. The scope of the

research includes the time, money, materials, and computation techniques required to finish

the test. The best design , which includes an automated packing system and other machine

performance, will not be covered by the study. The most suitable for our machine concept is

for cultivating or tilling the soil from the field of dry land.
Definition of Terms

To have a better grasp of the study, the following terminologies are defined

operationally in accordance with their use in the study:

Motorcycle Plowing Machine:

Machine: a motorcycle plowing machine is a tool with moving parts that helps dig and

soften the soil, making it easier to plant crops.

ICE: Internal Combustion Engine, It’s an engine that powers things like cars by burning fuel

(like gas or diesel) inside the engine. This burning process creates energy that makes the car's

parts move, helping it run.

Gas fuel Tank: is a container that holds fuel (like gasoline) for a vehicle, supplying the

engine with the energy it needs to run.

Tilling Blades: are sharp, rotating parts that dig into the soil. They break up and loosen the

ground, making it easier to plant seeds.

Angle Bars: are L-shaped steel bars used for framing and supporting structures in

construction and manufacturing.

Chain: is a component that helps transfer power from the engine to the rotating parts, like

the blades or wheels. It connects different parts of the machine and allows them to move

together, helping the tiller dig into the soil effectively.

Sprocket: in a tiller machine is a toothed wheel that works with the chain. It helps transfer

power by connecting to the chain, causing the blades or other moving parts of the machine to

rotate and dig into the soil.

Lever Mechanism: is a simple tool that uses a bar and a pivot to lift or move things by

applying force. It makes heavy tasks easier.

Pillow Block Bearing: is a bearing housed in a protective block that supports a rotating shaft.

It is commonly used in machines, conveyors, and industrial equipment for easy installation

and maintenance.

Starter: is a device used to initiate the operation of an engine or motor. It helps safely start

the engine by controlling the electrical current and preventing damage during startup. It can

be mechanical, like a kickstarter, or electrical, like a solenoid starter in cars.

 CHAPTER II
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a motorcycle-based

plowing machine for small-scale farming by converting a standard motorcycle and

integrating a plowing mechanism. Through experimental research, critical aspects such as the

plow design, mounting system, and transmission modifications will be optimized to improve

soil penetration, plowing depth, and operational effectiveness. The performance of the

prototype will be tested under varying agricultural conditions to assess its feasibility and

suitability for small-scale farmers.

DESIGN AND PLANNING

PROTOTYPE FABRICATION

FIELD TESTING

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

EVALUATION

Figure 2. Flow chart of the study

Research Process

Design and Planning

The Design and Planning phase involves analyzing the existing motorcycle and

creating detailed plans for its conversion into a plowing machine. This includes designing

key components like plow blades and mounting systems, selecting durable materials, and

setting performance goals such as plowing depth and fuel efficiency.

Prototype Fabrication

In the Prototype Fabrication phase, the motorcycle is modified by fabricating and

attaching plow blades, reinforcing the frame, and adjusting the transmission system. The

prototype is assembled and undergoes initial testing to ensure it is mechanically stable and

functional.

Field Testing / Data Collection and Analysis

The Field Testing / Data Collection and Analysis phase tests the prototype in various

soil types to evaluate its performance. Data such as plowing depth, efficiency, and fuel

consumption is collected, alongside feedback from farmers on the machine's usability and

effectiveness.

Evaluation

During the Evaluation phase, the collected data is analyzed to assess the machine’s

performance against the established metrics. The machine’s strengths and weaknesses are
identified, and it is compared to traditional plowing methods to determine its efficiency and

practicality.

Selection of materials

The selection of materials for the motorcycle-based plowing machine was carefully

made to ensure practicality for small-scale farming. Each component was chosen for its

ability to withstand the stresses of plowing while being suitable for the intended agricultural

tasks. Below are the key materials used in the construction of the machine:

 Angle Bars

 Shafting Rod

 Shafting Bearing

 3 Motor Rim

 3 Off Spring

 Bolts and Nuts

Prototype Design

Frame Handle

Blade

Engine

Motor Rim

Frame (Angle Bar)

They provide the necessary support for the components and ensure the stability of the

machine during operation. The use of angle bars also helps in reducing the overall weight of

the frame while maintaining strength.

Motor (Internal Combustion Engine - ICE)

The engine is capable of providing the required power to operate the plowing mechanism

effectively and can handle the increased workload of the modified system.

Handle

The handle is positioned to allow for easy maneuvering and steering of the machine, ensuring

that the operator can navigate through agricultural fields with minimal effort. Its ergonomic

design ensures comfort during extended use, providing the necessary leverage and control to

guide the plowing machine efficiently across various terrains.

Plow Blade:

The blade is designed to effectively cut through and till the soil at the desired depth, ensuring

optimal soil aeration for agricultural purposes. Its shape and material allow for efficient soil

penetration and minimal wear during use.

Motor Rim

The wheels are fitted with reinforced rubber tires, providing stability and traction on various

terrains. The rims are chosen for their strength to support the additional weight and stress of

the plowing attachment, ensuring the machine remains balanced and functional during

operation. The wheels are designed to minimize soil compaction, which is crucial for

maintaining the health of the soil in agricultural fields.

Theories and Principles

Soil Penetration Depth (Plow Blade Efficiency)

The penetration depth of the plow blade into the soil is an important factor in

determining its effectiveness. This depends on the force applied, the angle of the blade, and

the soil’s resistance. A basic formula for calculating soil penetration depth (D) is:

��
D=
���

Where:

 D = Plowing depth (m)

 Fapplied (Fa) = Force applied by the plow blade (N)

 k = Soil resistance coefficient (depends on soil type)

 A = Area of the plow blade (m²)

Blade Cutting Force

The cutting force required by the blade to penetrate the soil is important for

determining the torque needed from the motorcycle’s engine. To calculate the cutting force

(F) using:

F=σ×A

 F = Cutting force (N)

 σ = Shear strength of the soil (N/m²), which varies with soil type and moisture content
 A= Area of the blade in contact with the soil (m²)

Power Required to Plow

To determine the power required (P) to plow effectiveness. The formula for power based on

the cutting force and the speed of the machine is:

P=F×v

Where:

 P = Power (W)

 F = Cutting force (N)

 v = Speed of the machine (m/s)