Agriculture and Agribusiness

Farm Mechanisation and Tractor Systems

A tractor is bought for its horsepower and loses most of it in the gap between the engine and the soil, which is why two farms with identical machines can differ enormously in what they get done per litre of diesel. This course closes that gap. Delegates work through power transmission from engine to drawbar, tractive efficiency, wheel slip and the ballasting and tyre pressure that control both. Implement matching follows, covering draught requirement, working width and the forward speed that uses available power without overloading. Tillage implements are covered with what each does to soil structure, alongside reduced and no tillage options. Planting and seeding equipment are addressed, including calibration and placement accuracy. Spraying equipment is covered, with nozzle selection, boom height and calibration, since misapplication wastes chemical and damages crops. Field efficiency and machinery capacity are addressed so a fleet can be sized to a season. Maintenance, lubrication and daily checks follow. The course closes on machinery costing and on replacement decisions.