The innovations of vocational lecturers are continuously encouraged to solve problems in society and also in industry. One of them is innovation crawler dumper which was developed by a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Semarang (Polines), Denny Surindra, together with a team of students. Crawler dumpers This innovation by Denny and his team is a means of transporting palm oil that can answer the problems faced by farmers and the palm oil industry in Indonesia.
"In general this (crawler dumper, red) is actually transportation on extreme terrain. As for the specifications, I apply this tool to harvest oil palm," said Denny some time ago.
Initial development idea crawler dumper This itself stems from the problems faced by farmers and the palm oil industry when they have to harvest their oil palm in the rainy season. Farmers generally find it difficult to harvest their oil palms because of the muddy terrain of their plantations.
“The mud can reach 20 centimeters, not to mention the slope of the oil palm fields which can reach 30 degrees. So, it is very difficult if they have to harvest oil palm during the rainy season," said Denny who admitted that the development of this tool has great potential considering the potential for palm oil in Indonesia is quite large and wide.
On the other hand, continued Denny, the oil palms that enter the harvest time usually have to be harvested immediately. Late harvest time will reduce the quality of the oil palm fruit produced. Palm oil only has about 12 hours from picking to processing.
"It was from this condition that I then developed this machine and I guarantee that this means of conveyance is much better than products made in China," said Denny.
Currently, according to Denny, similar products from China have entered the Indonesian market. One of the machine manufacturers crawler dumper has even held an exhibition at Syamsuddin Noor International Airport, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.
However, according to Denny, crawler dumper made in China has a number of weaknesses, such as the steering wheel which is on the left and the price is much more expensive when compared to this innovative product developed by Polines.
“Products from China reach IDR 170 million per unit. While this product is only IDR 150 million. The most important thing is the domestic product," said Denny.
Another advantage of this product is also the material is thicker so it is more sturdy, ground clearance center of gravity better, roller tracks use double taper bearings, as well as after-sales service.
“We will provide after-sales service that students will work on and be a part of project based learning students," Denny added.
The development of this product is currently still being carried out. Denny and his team are also designing a strategic plan related to the development of this machine. It is planned that the manufacture of this machine will be collaborated with one of the MSMEs in Semarang. Some parts of this vehicle will also be made in the workshop of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polines.
Crawler dumpers This will be made in two types, namely the three tonne-standard Politrex and the three-tonne-dump Politrex. This tool is capable of transporting up to three tons of palm oil. For fuel using diesel, crawler dumper It has the ability to reach speeds of up to 30 km per hour. (Nan/Cecep)
Source: vokasi.kemdikbud.go.id