The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has developed an innovative machine called the “AutoBoat” tractor, designed to make rice land preparation faster, cheaper, and more accessible to small farmers across the country.
The locally built prototype takes inspiration from boat-style tractors widely used in Southeast Asia. With its hand-lever steering system, the AutoBoat is easier to maneuver, particularly for older farmers, women, and younger operators who may struggle with traditional heavy equipment.
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Affordable and Efficient Design
According to PhilRice Supervising Science Research Specialist Jasper Tallada, the team wanted to simplify farm operations for growers hesitant to use bulky or costly machines. The AutoBoat runs on a 12-horsepower diesel engine, equipped with an idle clutch system and a boat-shaped steel hull that allows it to move independently in muddy fields.
Field tests showed the machine can run at speeds of 5 to 7 kilometers per hour and cover around 0.66 hectares per hour with an efficiency rate of 81 percent. Its affordability is also a major advantage—while a standard four-wheel tractor costs as much as three to four AutoBoat units, farmers can reduce their investment in equipment by as much as 75 percent.
“By reducing labor demand and machine ownership costs, while being more inclusive to users, the AutoBoat offers a practical solution for land preparation. The team envisions incorporating remote-control electronics into the machine to further enhance its capabilities,” Tallada explained.
Recognition and Future Applications
PhilRice engineers are now testing the machine further and exploring leasing options through local providers to expand farmer access without the burden of ownership. The project has already earned recognition at the 74th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers, where it won second-best poster and third-best technical paper.
With its potential to cut expenses and broaden access to mechanization, the AutoBoat tractor could become a game-changer for rice farming communities, helping them increase productivity while lowering costs.
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