Reliability and maintenance of agricultural machinery by MCDM approach

• Published in: International journal of system assurance engineering and management Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 135 - 146
• Main Authors: Mishra, Debesh, Satapathy, Suchismita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.02.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agricultural equipment; Criteria; Decision making; Engineering; Engineering Economics; Hoses; Hydraulic fluids; Literature reviews; Logistics; Maintenance; Marketing; Organization; Original Article; Quality Control; Reliability; Safety and Risk; Tightness; Tires; Tractors; MPs; Maintenance plans; Farm machines; Ranking; Tractors; SWARA; Odisha
• ISSN: 0975-6809; 0976-4348
• DOI: 10.1007/s13198-021-01256-y

Maintenance of agricultural machines plays a vital role for the proper functioning as well as to make the farm activities smoother. This study included the evaluation of farmers’ knowledge of the maintenance activities of farm related machinery by using questionnaire survey in Odisha (India) and found that maximum number of farmers i.e. 135 (93.75%) out of a total of 144 respondents were found of requiring further guidance for the effective maintenance of tractors in particular. Further, an extensive literature-review followed by consultation with experts was done for the identification of farm machinery maintenance plans (MPs) for tractors. The “Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis” method was used to rank the MPs for tractors based on their prioritization, and it was found that checking for general conditions ranked first followed by checking for batteries; checking for all fluid levels; and checking for tires and wheels; respectively. Similarly, based on the prioritization of all concerned sub-criteria of all the criteria of MPs for tractors, the corresponding ranking in the descending order included checking for secure held down of batteries; checking for broken or cracked parts; checking for clean connection of batteries; checking for good level of electrolyte in batteries; checking for lug nuts for tightness; followed by checking for leakages or damaged hoses; checking for proper inflation of tires as recommended in operator’s manual; checking for loose bolts, nuts and parts; checking for engine oils; checking for functioning of all the lights and flashers; checking for cuts and breaks in the sidewalls or tread of tires; checking for fuels; checking of steps for cleanliness of any mud or greases; checking for coolants; checking for hydraulic fluids; and finally, checking for other fluids; respectively. The findings of this study can be helpful to the decision-makers, operators and the agricultural farmers to upkeep the farm operated tractors in better working conditions.