Bogor — A team of IPB University students managed to create a lifting equipment of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) by utilizing the weight of truck without additional driving motor. The innovation will make it easier for oil palm farmers to load their FFB into trucks.
The new equipment was created out of the problems facing the oil palm farmers who very often got into accidents and tired from the heavy workload. Besides, the available lifting equipment of FFB is very dependent on driving motor—electric motors and fuel-based motors, which require higher cost of operation.
“The high incidences of occupational diseases (Musculoskeletal Disorders) have encouraged us to create this equipment, which is based on the principle of ergonomics. We hope this equipment will make it easier for the farmers to load and unload their FFB and reduce the occupational risks. Hopefully, it will reduce their operational cost and maximize their profits,” said Dionisius Dwi Wicaksono, the head of IPB University’s Student Creativity Program (PKM) Team.
According to Dio, the equipment can be used in oil palm plantation areas with a working capacity of 260 kilogram per minute. It is cheaper and affordable for the farmers, but its performance can keep up with other kinds of equipment.
“The equipment works by positioning a truck stepping on its footing device, which then push up the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system will automatically move the hydraulic system of the scissor lift that will then lift the FFB container to a position of tilting up to 20 degrees. In such position all FFB will automatically fall into the truck,” he said.
Odang, an oil palm technician of Cikabayan, IPB University, said that the workers who load the FFB often suffer injuries to their backs, necks and wrists.
It is because they have to lift and throw the FFB into the trucks at the average height of 2.3 meters. “That’s why workers badly need the new equipment. It really helps them and reduces the occupational risks in loading the FFB into the trucks,” said Odang.
The IPB University team that is in charge of making the equipment is led by Dr Wawan Hermawan, a lecturer of mechanical engineering and bio-system at Bogor-based IPB University. The team members are Dionisius Dwi Wicaksono, Adhiasta Faris Setiabudi, Hanifa Farafisha, Dimas Panji Hasmoro, and Patricia Yohaneta Gendis Kusmaningjati. (*)
Source: ipb.ac.id
