In 2010, the oil palm planted area in Malaysia was 5.0 million hectares. The oil palm industry is labour-intensive, requiring many workers for the various plantation operations. The current system of infield collection of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) using trailer-type vehicles; in particular the mini-tractor-trailer system, is well-received by estate management. However, their usage is confined to firm ground on flat and slightly undulating areas. On soft-textured soils, such as flood-prone coastal areas, the use of the mini-tractor is limited due to poor traction. Apart from the mini-tractor other prime movers have also been investigated and evaluated on soft soils.

Main Research: Abd Rahim Shuib