Millet sheller machine

Types of millet sheller machines

Correctly de husking millet requires skill and expertise, which is why many farmers prefer to use a millet sheller machine. Millet crops can provide sufficient nutrition in drought-prone regions and are an excellent source of income for farmers when exported to different countries for use in animal feed and porridge.

Millet de-hull machines can vary in complexity, ranging from manual shellers to more advanced electrical shellers equipped with additional cleaning features.

• Manual millet sheller machines

Manual millet sheller machines are operated without electricity or any other form of power. It requires a great deal of physical effort from the user to turn the crank, which in turn shells the millet. Farmers use it because it is affordable and easy to use. However, the manual millet shell machine's inefficiency and labor-intensiveness become issues when there are large quantities of millet to be processed.

• Pedal-powered millet sheller machines

Pedal-powered millet sheller machines make use of the power of the operator's leg and foot. This millet sheller machine provides more power than manual millet shellers, further enhancing their efficiency. Like manual millet shellers, these machines are easy to operate and affordable.

• Electric millet sheller machines

Electric millet sheller machines are automatic and require electricity to function. The additional power provided by electricity makes processing time a lot quicker. The user will have to put in less effort into operating the machine. Some people find it more comfortable than manual and pedal-powered millet sheller machines. Electric millet shelling machines do exist in varying sizes and capacities. Users may have to wear noise-canceling headphones as the motor makes quite a noise during operation.

• Handheld millet sheller machines

Handheld millet sheller machines are portable and can easily be carried from one place to another. They offer great flexibility and convenience to the user. These sheller machines are suitable for small-scale millet production and are often used for home-based processing.

Specification and maintenance of millet sheller machines

The millet sheller machine capacity varies according to the type of machine and brand. An average shelling machine can shell and separate about 130 to 180 kg of millet per hour. But some advanced and bigger machines can process around 900 to 1000 kg of millet in one hour. It is also important to note that this capacity can increase by installing bigger and powerful motors in the shelling machine.

The percentage of unhusked and broken grains is very low in shelling machines. This percentage usually varies from one to five percent, depending on the quality of the millet deshelling machine. A good-quality shelling machine will leave only one percent of unhusked grains and will not damage the shelled grains. The recovery rate in millet shelling machines is also high. It usually varies from 85 to 95 percent and is determined by the type and model of the machine.

Grain separation in millet grain shelling machines is also easy. The millet shells are lighter in weight than the whole millet grain. Therefore, they are separated easily by blowers and sieves in the shelling machine. The average separation efficiency of shelling machines is around 90 to 95 percent. This means almost all the millet debris and shells will be separated, leaving only the whole grains that can be processed further.

Like every other machine, it is essential to take care of the millet deshelling machines for them to work for a long time. The very first step in the maintenance process is to get familiar with the machine manual. The person in charge of the maintenance requirement must read and understand the manual before proceeding with anything further. The machine must be lubricated regularly as stated in the manual. The movable parts of the machine need to be greased or oiled regularly to prevent excessive wear and tear or rust formation.

It is also necessary to clean the millet shelling machine daily. Once the machine is finished with its daily task, it must be cleaned thoroughly. All the pieces of millet shells and debris must be removed to prevent blockage. Cleaning also prevents the growth of mold and any other product contaminants. It is also suggested to blow compressed air in the machine to remove any stuck debris.

Occasional deep cleaning of the shelling machine is also essential. In deep cleaning, all parts of the machine are cleaned, including hard-to-reach places with special solvents and products. This process is usually done yearly or bi-annually, depending on the use of the machine.

Worn-out or damaged parts of the machine should be replaced immediately to prevent accidents and further damage to the shelling machine and any other connected equipment. Always use genuine parts that fit the shelling machine perfectly. Ensure all nuts and bolts are tightly fastened and look for any loose ends. If any loose ends are found, they must be fastened immediately.

Scenarios of millet sheller machines

Considering the diverse applications of millet threshing machines, several business industries may be interested in investing in them for various reasons.

• Agricultural cooperatives are an obvious industry that may benefit from modern millet shelling machines and invest in them. Many farmers form cooperatives for their mutual economic gain, especially when producing the same type of crop. Sheller machines can help them uniformly process their millets and prepare them for sale. Also, investing in a millet sheller machine can help a cooperative separate its member's products from those grown by other farmers to tap into a specific clientele base.
• Hotels can benefit from shelling machines, albeit on a smaller scale compared to other commercial end users. Certain hotels that target health-conscious guests may offer products made with millet flour. Such hotels can invest in shelling machines to obtain millet flour directly from raw products
• Restaurants that use whole grains in their recipes can benefit from millet machines. Whole grains add essential nutrition and flavor to various dishes. Instead of relying on external suppliers, restaurants can invest in millet machines to create their flour and maintain superior control over their menus and ingredients.
• Specialty food manufacturers can also benefit from millet sheller machines and may invest in them to produce millet-based products under their unique brands. Some popular products include cereal bars, gluten-free flour, porridge, and cooking grains. Sheller machines can enable the manufacturers to diversify their product lines to meet changing customer needs and preferences.
• Health and wellness centers such as gyms may be interested in millet sheller machines to produce their own proprietary grain mixes or power bars for sale to their members. Some center members may prefer products with no additives. Therefore, an in-house millet machine can help the centers deliver fresh products with natural ingredients to satisfy their clientele.
• University and college campuses that have food courts may be interested in millet machines to process millet and supply their cafeterias with fresh flour. Cutting down on supply chain costs and creating a self-sufficient food processing unit within campus premises can be an attractive option.
• Export companies that sell processed millet to overseas markets can also benefit from millet sheller machines. Such companies process whole unrefined millet grains to preserve their nutritional value and cater to the demand for whole foods in specific international markets. The export companies may partner with local farmers or agri-businesses to process and export millet grain, thus boosting the domestic economy.

How to Choose millet sheller machine

• Scale of Operation:

  When selecting a millet shelling machine, the first thing to consider is the scale at which one plans to millet shell. For small-scale operations, compact machines may suffice, while industrial-scale endeavors require large-capacity machines with high throughput.

• Quality of Shelling:

  The main purpose of buying a millet sheller is to obtain shelled millet (if not shelled oneself) and thus the quality of shelling is extremely essential. Different machines offer varying qualities of shelling, which means some may leave more un-shelled millet than others. It is wise to select a sheller that provides an efficient and thorough shelling process.

• Ease of Operation:

  Some machines are extremely difficult to operate and require a lot of setting up before milling can take place. One should consider the ease with which one can easily operate the machine before buying it. It is best to go for machines that have a simple and user-friendly design and can be easily handled.

• Feeding Mechanism:

  The feeding mechanism of the machine is very important as it confirms how well and equally millet will be fed to the mill. Choose the millet sheller machine that has an efficient feeding mechanism so that the shells are provided a constant and uniform quantity of millet so it can perform its function without a hitch.

• Portability:

  For some commercial endeavors, it may be required to transport the machine from one place to another. In this situation, it is crucial to choose a portable millet sheller machine. The sheller should have wheels or suitable handles so it can be shifted to different locations with ease.

• Durability and Build Quality:

  A millet sheller is an investment, and like any investment, it is important to choose something that will last. Go for machines that are praised for their excellent build quality and durable materials. Second, it is important to choose a machine that is maintenance-friendly because even the most durable of machines require regular maintenance to ensure they perform well and do not break down.

• Cost:

  Finally, after all the factors have been considered, the most important thing that ultimately decides what machine one will get is the cost. Therefore, it is essential to choose a millet sheller machine that fits the budget and is suitable for the required task.

Millet sheller machine FAQ

Q1: Can millet sheller machines handle different types of millets?

A1: Millet sheller machines are usually designed to handle a variety of millets. However, the capacity to process different types may vary depending on the machine's specifications.

Q2: Are millet sheller machines energy-efficient?

A2: Yes, modern millet sheller machines are designed to be energy efficient, consuming minimal power for maximum output. It is important to check the energy consumption details of the machine before purchasing to choose the one that will help minimize cost.

Q3: What are the safety features of a millet sheller machine?

A3: A millet sheller machine has several safety features, like emergency stop buttons, protective covers, and safety interlocks, to protect the operator and prevent accidents.

Q4: Is it possible to customize the capacity of a millet sheller machine?

A4: Some millet shelling machines can be customized according to the requirements. Certain capacities, shelling methods, and automation levels can be adjusted to suit specific needs.