A groundnut sheller is an agricultural processing machine designed to separate groundnut (peanut) kernels from their shells quickly and efficiently while minimizing kernel breakage. It is commonly used by farmers, cooperatives, grain processors, and agro-processing industries to improve productivity and reduce manual labour. The machine is typically constructed from a heavy-duty steel frame with a feeding hopper, shelling drum or roller fitted with specially designed teeth or pegs, concave screen, cleaning sieve, blower or fan for separating shells from kernels, discharge outlets, belt and pulley transmission system, bearings, and a power source such as an electric motor or diesel engine. Groundnut shellers are available in manual, motorized, and tractor-powered models with varying processing capacities depending on the intended application.

Operation

To operate the groundnut sheller, place the machine on a stable, level surface and ensure all moving parts are properly secured and lubricated. Connect the machine to its power source and start the motor, allowing the shelling drum to reach its operating speed. Feed clean, dry groundnuts into the hopper at a controlled rate. As the nuts pass through the rotating shelling drum and concave, the shells are cracked without excessively damaging the kernels. The mixture of kernels, shells, and small debris then passes through the cleaning sieve and blower, where the lighter shells are separated and discharged while the cleaned kernels are collected through the kernel outlet. After operation, switch off the machine, disconnect the power supply, remove any remaining material, and clean the hopper, shelling drum, sieves, and blower. Regular inspection of belts, bearings, screens, and fasteners, together with routine lubrication, ensures safe, efficient, and reliable performance.