A rotavator operates at a forward speed of $3.6\text{ km/h}$ ($1.0\text{ m/s}$). The rotor shaft turns at $200\text{ rpm}$, and each rotor flange carries $4$ blades cutting successively in the same plane. The tilling pitch (bite length) of the blades is ________ $\text{cm}$ (round off to two decimal places).
Answer Key:
7.50
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
The tilling pitch (bite length $L$) is the distance the tractor travels forward between successive cuts by blades on the same rotor flange:
$L = \frac{v}{N \times z} \times 60$
Where:
- $v = 1.0\text{ m/s} = 100\text{ cm/s}$
- $N = 200\text{ rpm}$
- $z = 4\text{ blades per side/plane}$
$L = \frac{100 \times 60}{200 \times 4} = \frac{6000}{800} = 7.50\text{ cm}$