Ergonomic optimization of a manual wheeled furrowing implement (IMRS) using user-centered design methodologies: a case study in Peruvian smallholder agriculture

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352159

Keywords:

furrowing implement, rapid upper limb assessment, quality function deployment, digital human modeling, smallholder agriculture, artisanal manufacturing

Abstract

The object of the study is the manual wheeled furrowing implement (IMRS), a human-powered tool used by smallholder farmers in the Tiabaya district (Arequipa, Peru) to form furrows and hill crops of onion and garlic requiring 45 cm spacing, operated for up to 227 furrows per plot in 10–12 hour shifts. The unvarying height of the handle compels taller individuals to maintain prolonged trunk bending and wrist extension, while shorter users manage the excess force with their arms, structurally excluding women who lack a fitting handle height. Four approaches were employed: design thinking and quality function deployment (QFD) to translate farmer needs into key engineering goals; VDI 2221/2225 to evaluate design alternatives; the McKyes & Ali equation for modeling soil resistance in sandy loam found in Tiabaya; and Digital Human Models within CATIA V5 for biomechanical validation at female P5 and male P95 percentiles before physical prototyping. The refined design incorporates a Ø2" SCH10 tube frame with a quick-release height adjustment limited to between 900 and 1,200 mm based on QFD priorities, a Ø600 mm spoked wheel, an AISI 1045 heat-treated furrower, and handles made from AISI 304 steel, minimizing push force by 8%. This reduction occurs because the larger wheel distributes soil reaction over a broader area, lowering rolling resistance per the McKyes & Ali model. The adjustable height eliminates the postures causing a score of 5 on the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), reducing it to 4 for users at both measurement extremes. While unit cost is higher (≈ S/680 vs. S/300–400), a lifespan exceeding 12 years yields break-even within 3–4 years, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2, 5, and 8

Author Biographies

Cesar Augusto Castillo Roque, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Professional School

Wendy Carolina Yupanqui Leon, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Bachelor in Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering Professional School

Trunks Giorgio Vasquez Llave, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineering Professional School

Jose Carlos Canazas Rodriguez, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Master of Science

Mechanical Engineering Professional School

Yuri Lester Silva Vidal, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Doctor of Science with a Mention in Mechatronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Professional School

Jose Fernando Garate Delgado, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa

Master of Science

Food Industries Engineering Professional School

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Ergonomic optimization of a manual wheeled furrowing implement (IMRS) using user-centered design methodologies: a case study in Peruvian smallholder agriculture

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Castillo Roque, C. A., Yupanqui Leon, W. C., Vasquez Llave, T. G., Canazas Rodriguez, J. C., Silva Vidal, Y. L., & Garate Delgado, J. F. (2026). Ergonomic optimization of a manual wheeled furrowing implement (IMRS) using user-centered design methodologies: a case study in Peruvian smallholder agriculture. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(1 (140), 42–56. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352159

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (140) (2026): Engineering technological systems

Section

Engineering technological systems

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Copyright (c) 2026 Cesar Augusto Castillo Roque, Wendy Carolina Yupanqui Leon, Trunks Giorgio Vasquez Llave, Jose Carlos Canazas Rodriguez, Yuri Lester Silva Vidal, Jose Fernando Garate Delgado

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