Module Identifier RD10610  
Module Title AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND FARM MACHINERY  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Michael Barrett  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 2 hour lectures  
  Practical   5 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Practical evaluation assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  50%
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  50%
Supplementary Exam1.5 Hours Students will be required to retake the element(s) of assessment that led to failure of the module50%
Supplementary Assessment Students will be required to retake the element(s) of assessment that led to failure of the module50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
Select an appropriate agricultural tractor and machinery for a specified range of applications.

Performance criteria
Tractor sub-systems are identified (engine, transmission, hydraulics, hitches, cabs, controls)
Strengths and weaknesses of sub-system features are described (engine, transmission, hydraulics, hitches, cabs, controls)
Sub-system features are related to specific tractor / implement operations (engine, transmission, hydraulics, hitches, cabs, controls)
Prescribed methods are used to calculate operating costs (fixed and variable costs, usage, working life)


Outcome 2
Demonstrate the skills required to manage safe and efficient tractor/implement operations.
Performance criteria
Methods of improving tractive performance are identified (soil properties, tyre type and working condition)
Causes and means of reducing tractor instability and control loss are identified (surface, slope, tractor and implement characteristics, preparation, field procedures)
Implements are selected and set appropriately (calibration, accuracy of distribution)
Mechanical theories are related to field performance (forces, weight transfer)
Basic tractor/implement operations, maintenance and repaire are performed (procedures, routine maintenance, tractor, trailed/mounted operations).

Brief description

This module will provide an understanding of the engineering and selection criteria associated with the agricultural power unit and machinery and the knowledge required to operate, maintain and manage tractor / implement operations safely and efficiently. The module will be delivered by means of a combination of lectures, lecture demonstrations and practicals.

Reading Lists

Books
Allcock P (1986) Tractor-Implement Systems
Butterworth B & Nix J (1983) Farm Mechanisation for Profit
Cooper E L (1987) Agricultural Mechanics
HSE (1995) Tractors in Action. A Safety Training Guide
John Deere & Co. Fundamentals of Service Manuals (Power Trains, Electrical Systems, Hydraulics, Engines)
Liljedhal, J B (1989) Tractors and their Power Units
Roth L D and Field H L (1991) Introduction to Agricultural Engineering
Whitney B (1988) Choosing and Using Farm Machines
Williams M (1992) Tractors - How they Work and What they Do

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4