A small sized radial flow grain sorghum thresher was developed at the
Department of Agricultural Engineering of the Universidade Federal de
Vicosa with the cooperation of the National Maize and Sorghum Research
Center of EMBRAPA. The machine was built of steel bars, pipes, rods,
and sheet, using simple techniques (cutting, welding and lathe machini
ng). Two roller bearings were the only special parts used. The power u
nit was either a 1.5 HP electric motor or a 3.5 HP gasoline engine. A
threshing capacity ranging from 85 to 128 kilograms per hour was measu
red when evaluated with 15% to 24% w.b. grain sorghum.