Design and fabrication of a laser leveling system for a walking tractor

Abstract

Land leveling plays a critical role in improving irrigation efficiency, crop productivity, and soil health. In Uganda, particularly in areas like the Ngenge Irrigation Scheme in Kween District, small-scale farmers continue to rely on traditional, labor-intensive land leveling methods due to the high cost and incompatibility of existing laser leveling systems with walking tractors. This project aimed to design and fabricate a low-cost, scalable laser land leveling system suitable for integration with a walking tractor to support farms under five acres. The system employs a laser transmitter, ultrasonic and laser sensors, and a microcontroller-based control unit to automatically adjust a scraper mechanism. The components were designed using SolidWorks, fabricated with locally available materials like mild steel and cast iron, and integrated with an Arduino-based control system. Performance testing revealed a leveling index of 55.7%, indicating partial effectiveness but highlighting the need for improvements in motor speed, driver capacity, and hoe responsiveness. Despite the limitations, the project demonstrated the feasibility of creating a low-cost leveling solution for smallholder farmers, with potential for refinement and wider adoption. The system contributes toward achieving SDG goals related to poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable land management.