Wunda Weeder

The Wunda Weeder is a self propelled, electric powered, machine that supports and transports the operator in a lying down position, to enable planting, thining, weeding, transplanting or harvesting of row crop vegetables, herbs or flowers.  These tasks have traditionaly been performed without the aid of machines and are ‘back breaking’. The Wunda Weeder allows these tasks to be undertaken, ‘lying down’!  

  

The Wunda Weeder’s electric motor and drive system is run by on board batteries which are recharged by the large solar panel (providing shelter to the operator), while the operator works.  The electronics allow for a ‘soft start’ and variable speed via an ‘accelorator’ when the operator is working. Forward and reverse are controlled by a single switch from the operating position, as is the steering.  When ‘walking’ the machine (at walking speed), to the desired work row, the operator walks behind and steers the Weeder exactly as a shopping trolley, except the electric motor powers the machine via a ‘dead man’ switch on the handle, (let go and the machine stops automatically).  

The machine has provision for seedling trays, seed containers or weeding / harvesting buckets which are accessed by the operator in the working position (lying down).  

The operators ‘bed’ is a converted outdoor reclining chair with chest support and a fully adjustable head rest to match the operators dimensions.  

We have used the prototype machine in our small organic vegetable garden  since April 2009.  

I and other operators can vouch for the relative ease with which tasks are performed (while listening to the solar powered on board radio) compared to undertaking them without the Wunda Weeder.  

At present we are building a second machine for the garden to cater for the garden workload. This version (minor refinements from the prototype model) is the one we expect to take into production.  

  

WUNDA WEEDER SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions Length 2300mm
  Width 1250mm
  Height 1200mm
  Weight 100Kg
  Wheel Track Width  
 
- Centre to Centre Drive wheel
 870mm
 
- Inside to Inside Drive Wheel
 730mm
  Maximum Payload Weight 100Kg
     
Driving Specfications Speed (Hard Surface) 3 Km/h approx
  Torque at the wheel Over 1000 Nm
  Driving Limits 5 Km approx
     
Chassis Material Painted Zinc Plated Steel
  Drive Wheels 400mm x 140mm pneumatic (roller bearings)
  Steering Wheels 270mm x 100mm pneumatic (ball bearings)
     
  Driver Comfort
  • Ergonomic laying work position.
   
  • Sun/Rain cover over driver.
   
  • Side curtains available for addedsun/wind/rain protection.
   
  • Walk behind mode to transport thevehicle from one work location to the next.
   
  • Adjustable work bed height
   
  • Fully adjustable head rest
Battery Voltage 2 x 12volt = 24volt DC
  Capacity 28 Amp Hour
  Type Sealed Lead Acid
     
Motor Structure Motor/Transaxel module cw inbuilt,

Fail to safe mode,Electro Braking
  Voltage 24 Volt DC
  Power Continuous 800 Watt
  Current Continuous 30 Amps
  Power Surge 2500 Watts
  Current Surge 100 Amps
  Inrush Current 5 to 25 Amps
  Motor Brake Fail Safe24 Volts DC

Operates automatically as motor voltage

approaches zero.
     
Solar Panels Connections Interconneciton umbilical to power unit
  Functions
  • Key Switch FORWARD/OFF/REVERSE
   
  • Indicator “ON”
   
  • Indicator “REVERSE”
   
  • Reverse Alarm Sounder
Power Unit Voltage 24 Volt DC
  Output Current Continuous 450 Amps
  Output Current 25% Duty Cycle 650 Amps
  Connections
  • Interconnection umbilical to ControlConsole
   
  • Throttle Connector
   
  • “Walk” mode Connector
   
  • Battery Connector
   
  • Motor/Brake Connector
  Cooling-Fan assisted 0.50 degrees / Watt = 90 Above Ambient at Full Power.
     
Features Wiring Integrated Cable Harness (avoids fouling)
  Safety All circuits are protected against overload

and surge conditions
    Man Overboard cut out – Vehicle will not

operate (except walk switch) unless a

drive is in position
  Operation
  • Key Switch Position 1 = OFF
   
  • Key Switch Position 2 = ON(Green Light indicator on Console)
   
  • Key Switch Position 3 = REVERSE(Red Light Indicator on Console)
   
  • Reverse will not select until the vehicle isstationary
   
  • Reverse Alarm to warn driver andpedestrians (Beep every 1.5 seconds )
   
  • Battery “LOW” Warning Alarm(Beep every 30 seconds)
   
  • Inactivity Alarm – to prevent ignitionbeing left on(long Beep every 60 seconds)
  External Battery Charger For exceptionally repeated long dark days,

or night work, when solar will not keep

the batteries up.

  

More Information

Wunda Weeder was featured on the ABC “New Inventors” Episode 21 on June 23rd. Check the New Inventors website for details and video of the featured segment.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2930576.htm

For more information on the Wunda Weeder please see our FAQ Page. 

  

Ordering Details

Please contact us via our contact page