Government Property

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9 4
Technology and
Livelihood Education
Quarter 1, Wk.2 - Module 2
CHECK FARM TOOL, MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

What This Module is About
This Module is all about the Lesson: Support Horticultural Work in Learning Outcome:
Prepare materials, tools and equipment for horticultural production work. This module
contains training materials and activities for you to complete.
The sub-learning outcome is “Check farm tools, materials and equipment for faults
and defects based on manufacturer’s lists and pre-operating procedures” contains the
knowledge, skills and attitudes required for Agricultural Crop Production required to
obtain the National Certificate.
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete
each of the learning outcomes of the module. In each learning outcome there are
Information Sheets and Activity Sheets. Do these activities on your own and answer the
Pre-Test and Post Test at the end of each learning activity. If you have questions, do
not hesitate to ask your teacher for assistance.

This module contains information and suggested learning activities on Observing

procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction. It includes instructions and
procedure on how to read, interpret and observe instruction manuals of a device or
machine. Completion of this module will help you understand the succeeding module.

What I Need to Know

This module consists of 1 learning outcomes and objective.. It contains

learning activities with activity sheets. Before you follow the instruction, read the

information sheets and answer the self-check and activities provided to assess your

competence by your teacher. He/she will check if you have acquired the knowledge

necessary to perform the skill portion of the particular learning outcome.

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How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises
diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Icons of this Module

What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that
Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.

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What I Know

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 Lesson Title of the Lesson
1 CHECK FARM TOOL, MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT

What I Need to Know

Lesson1 : Support Horticultural Work
LO 1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for horticultural production work

At the end of the lesson the student should be able to:

1.2. Check and identify farm tools, materials and equipment for faults
and defects based on manufacturer’s lists and pre-operating procedures

What’s In
After selecting farm tools, materials and equipment checking of these
implements are very essential.
Check – it is the term used to distinguished whether the tool, material and
equipment is functional or not.

What’s New
Imagine that the long, hot summer vacation has finally come to an end
and it‘s the beginning of the school year and you are ready to start working your
vegetable gardens. But before that let us check first our tools, implements and
equipment you are going to use. Armed with your working clothes and personal
protective equipment (PPE). Proceed to the shop to retrieve your tools so that you
can start clearing away the last remnants of summer and begin breaking the soil for
a new year. Imagine your frustration as you start pulling out all of your tools to see
that they are covered with rust and dirt that has hardened and crusty globs of oil
that have collected dust last vacation. It seems that you are going to spend more
time cleaning and repairing tools on this nice day than you will actually use them
(https://gltnhs-tle.weebly.com/lesson-14.html).

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 What Is It
Information Sheet 1.1

Machinery breakdowns are always costly. But they are especially costly
during planting and harvests, when getting seed in the ground and grain out of the
field in a timely fashion are critical to maximizing yield. Here's his Top list along
with tips on how you can prevent these problems from happening in the first
place.

1. Not reading the operator's manual

Reading the operator's manual is important, because it tells you how to set
the machine and what parts to check before you take it to the field. However,
it is one step that many owners fail to do thoroughly.

The operator's manual also describes how to fix certain problems once they
happen so that owners can troubleshoot the problem themselves without
having to take more time to wait for a technician. However, many farmers may
forget to check the troubleshooting section, which can cost them even more
time out of the field.

2. Improper maintenance

It is important to grease a machine properly and on a timely basis.

“Sometimes farmers or their employees will miss some grease or lube
locations on a new machine because they didn't go through all the lube
locations the first time with the owner's manual out when there's a breakdown
due to no lubrication, that is part of improper maintenance.”

Other maintenance mistakes are failing to oil chains, check gearboxes

regularly, and replace belts when they start to show excessive wear instead of
waiting for them to break. “Another big one under proper maintenance is to do
a general inspection of the machine at the beginning of the day, like checking
engine and transmission oil levels daily or making sure the wheels are straight
and tight.

3. Poor electrical connections

“This is a big cause of breakdowns with today's newer machinery and is a

hard one for owners to try to prevent “But there are some small things they
can do.” For example, you can clean away dust and dirt in areas where
connectors are located. When cleaning, use compressed air instead of water
to keep moisture away from the wires.

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4. Overrunning machine's capability

A lot of farmers run machines to maximum performance or at the top of the

engineering curve for which the machine was designed. “They just really run it
hard to about where it is ready to snort or puke out,”

Overrunning the machine puts a strain on all the drives and makes
breakdowns much more likely to occur. You should find where a machine's
maximum performance level is and then “pull it back a hair” so that you are
not running it at maximum constantly.

5. Not replacing worn parts when needed

Many times when a part on a machine breaks, farmers replace just the part
that broke or failed, but fail to check or replace other parts that may have
caused the initial failure. Examples include replacing a drive chain when the
sprocket was shot or replacing a belt when maybe the pulley was bad.

By replacing only the broken part, you will temporarily fix the problem but will
likely have another breakdown soon because you did not fix all the worn
parts.

These additional parts are more expensive to fix. However you will save
money by spending a little more on parts up front because it will cut down on
the number of breakdowns later on.

6. Tightener Misalignment

Tighteners that are misaligned or at an angle and not tracking straight to the
belt or chain in relation to the main drives are another problem. This puts
tension on the belt or chain and can cause it to break or wear excessively.
You need to watch for misalignment and fix it, which may mean replacing
worn bushings in the tightener pivot that may be pushing the belt or chain
sideways.

7. Improper storage

This problem applies especially to combines and planters. For example, often
a farmer will park the combine in the shed immediately after harvest and leave
it there until the following harvest. “The combine will have corn, dirt and chaff
built up alongside a lot of the electrical connections, or dust and debris sitting
on chains,” Gierach explains. “It is not the best way to be storing them.”

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 The problem is that debris will attract rodents, which will often nest inside or
gnaw at wires. The dust itself can interfere with electrical connections. He
suggests cleaning around all electrical connections and other places where
debris is built up before storing the machine. Using compressed air is usually
the best way to do this.

8. Improper weather-related use

Sometimes farmers running machines in wet, muddy weather. That can put a
strain on the machines, especially combines, because they are not designed
for it. “Running real wet, tough material through the combine could break
shafts or plug up the machine and that puts a strain on everything from feeder
house chains to shafts to bearings and pulleys.”

Running tractors in poor weather conditions also can result in problems. “For
example, mud packed in between dual wheels, which can result in premature
wear on the tire sidewalls if you do not clean that out between the wheels
before it hardens.

What’s More

Garden tools are probably the most neglected of tools. We use them, abuse
them, and put them away dirty and wet only to see them rust and lose their
effectiveness over time. But with proper maintenance and a little time spent, your
tools can last and be effective for many years to come.

Proper Tool Storage

The best advice I can give you regarding garden tools is to put them away. Do
not leave them outside! Not only will proper storage keep unnecessary moisture
away from your tools, it will also protect your valuable tools from theft. Even when
rain is not in your forecast, tools left outside are exposed to moisture from wet grass
and dew.

When storing your tools, keep them off the ground so they’re not exposed to
moisture on your garage or shed floor. Hanging racks like the one pictured are a
convenient way to hang several long-handled tools in one small area. They also help
prevent damage to sharpened edges. For smaller tools, try using a pegboard system
to hang your tools. Not only will it keep your tools off the ground, but it will help you
with good tool organization. If each tool has a space, it’s more likely that the tool will
get put away after use. A pegboardsystem also helps you identify if you have any
missing tools. If a peg is empty, you know to take another jog around the yard before
calling it a night.

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Clean and Dry Tools

Because most garden tools are exposed to dirt and moisture, this is the first
place to start when it comes time for tool maintenance. Cleaning and drying your
garden tools will keep them in good working order. For shovels, rakes and trowels
that come in contact with soil, wash the dirt off with the strong spray from your hose.
If the dirt is caked on, keep a brush nearby for a good scrubbing. Most importantly,
dry your tools thoroughly before putting them away. I installed a hook in my garage
near my garden tools so I could keep an old towel handy for drying.You’ll also want
to be sure to wipe down smaller tools, like pruners and shears, before putting them
away. This will help you remove any moisture, as well as sap, from the blades.
Turpentine is an effective solvent for removing stubborn sap. Remember, be careful
as you wipe the blades as they are very sharp. And once again, be sure to properly
dry your tool before storing

Prevent Rust

While proper storing, cleaning and drying are important to

the condition of your tool, it’s still important to prevent rust.
The most effective way to prevent rust is to provide some
type of protective coating to the surface. Given the high cost
of quality garden tools, it’s important to take this step to
ensure many productive hours in the garden. You can use
Boeshield T-9, a convenient aerosol spray or Bull Frog Rust
Blocker which is non-polluting and biodegradable. 

General Tool Maintenance

Some general maintenance is also handy for keeping your garden tools in
good shape. There are several tips we recommend: First, for wood-handled tools,
sand the handle if it becomes rough. This will help prevent splinters. And for all
wood-handled tools, apply a light coating of boiled linseed oil to help prevent the
wood from drying out and cracking.

Second, you will want to apply some type of lubricant like Boeshield T-9 to your
pruners, loppers, and similar tools. This will ensure smooth operation of moving parts
and will also help prevent rust from forming.

Third remove rust that has already formed. Because many of us have not practiced
proper tool maintenance, we’re probably facing a garage full of rusty tools. If that’s
the case for you, do not worry, there is still hope. There are several types of rust
removal products available. Evapo-Rust is a safe and easy-to use on items that can
be soaked. Bull Frog Rust Remover is an organic, non-toxic gel that also protects the
tool against future rust formation. It works particularly well in household applications
as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or emit strong odors.

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Keep Your Tools Sharp

Another key to garden tool

maintenance is keeping your tools
sharp. Sharp tools not only are more effective, but they reduce your frustration. A
sharp pruner will cut through a branch with ease, and a sharp shovel will dig into
hard clay soils. Sharpening garden tools requires just a two simple tools, a mill file
and a small handheld sharpener.

The bigger tools like shovels, spades and hoes only require the use of a mill
file. Mill files are available in bastard, second, and smooth cut. The bastard cut is the
most aggressive while the smooth cut leaves the finest finish. Each cut is available in
different sizes. Because larger files are cut coarser, we recommend a 10” second cut
or an 8” bastard cut for garden tools. Another vital piece of a file is the handle. These
are sold separately but make the sharpening process much easier and safer.

Before you use the file, secure your tool so you do not have to
chase it around while you are trying to sharpen it. Once
secured, find the angle where the tool was previously
sharpened. Now use your mill file held at that angle and push
the tool across the edge. Do not push the file back and forth
on the tool! Files were meant to cut on the push stroke, and
pulling will only serve to dull the file. Continue this process
until the entire edge of your tool is sharpened. You will know it is sharpened when
the entire edge looks like bright, shiny metal.

The smaller tools like pruners, loppers, and shears require a keener edge to
perform their duties, so we recommend a small diamond stone for sharpening. If you
sharpen a variety of garden tools, we have found that the DMT Double Sided Diafold
works effectively. With a coarse and a fine grit, it will quickly sharpen dull tools on the
coarse side, and put a nicely honed edge on the tool on the fine side. If you sharpen
mostly pruners and loppers, another alternative is the DMT Mini-Hone. These are
small enough to sharpen pruners and loppers while the blade is still in the tool.

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 Sharpening using a diamond stone is much like a file. Secure the blade of
your tool; a small vise works well if you have one. Next find the angle where your tool
was previously sharpened. If you have trouble finding the angle try this trick: Use a
permanent marker and apply the marker to the blade edge. Rub your stone across
the edge at your selected angle. If you removed the marker behind the blade edge,
you need to sharpen at a steeper angle, if you only removed the marker from the
front edge you need to reduce the angle. Once you’ve found a good angle just rub
the diamond stone back and forth with your coarse side until all your edge is
uniformly sharp. Now switch to your fine side and sharpen using the same angle.
Your edge is now ready for use. If you feel the edge starting to get dull again, you
can skip the coarse grit and just use a few strokes with the fine stone to keep your
tool in excellent shape.

Even tools that have been neglected can be nursed back into shape. Proper
storage, cleaning and drying, general maintenance, and sharpening will result in
more effective tools and more productive time in the garden.

Cleaning Your Garden Tools

You want your tools to stay clean and looking good. Regular cleaning and
maintenance will keep your tools sharp. It may also make them rust quicker. So what
you’ll want to do is clean excess dirt and rust off of them with water. It helps to dry
and oil your tools after use to keep them in good condition. Scrape and wipe off extra
stubborn dirt and rust. Cleaning your tools can be done with an old towel. You can
also clean off some dirt after use (if they don’t need a thorough cleaning) by wiping
them through and on grass. If your tools are in really bad shape just drying them will
not be adequate. If the hinges on your tools are squeaking then bolts should be
tightened and a lubricant applied.

Storing Your Garden Tools

You’ll want to store your tools properly to keep them safe from harm, theft,
rusting, and other things. If you uncaringly toss your tools to the side when you’re
done with them, there’s a possibility of breaking or losing them. So what you want to
do is have a specific safe and dry place to store your tools, such as a barn,
basement, or garden shed. Keep your tools organized so you can easily access
each one when you need it. When you’re done with the tool, clean it off and put it
back where it was. If you leave your tools outside they will not last long. Tools should
always be kept in a safe secure place. Put them in a place where you know they are,
and only you have access to them. Garden sheds have some great storage systems
and are probably the best way to store your tools.

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Sharpening Dull Garden Tools

Dull tools don’t work as well as they should. Gardening tools can be quiet
dangerous if they are not looked after. They can make bad or dull cuts, or not make
cuts at all. If you have a dull tool, you don’t have to buy another one. You just need
to sharpen them. Always make sure your tools are clean before you sharpen them.
This will help them sharpen better and it will keep your tools for sharpening safe from
dirt and rust as well. You can use sharpening blocks a stones or a file to sharpen
most tools. You can also sharp knifes and scissors with a file. You can use a file or
sharpening stone for sharpening your hoe. You can also use sharpening stones or
metal files for sharpening things such as shovels and rakes. Use a file to sharpen
your hedge or pruning shears.

What I Have Learned

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Summary

Garden tools, materials and equipment are probably the most neglected. We
use them, abuse them, and put them away dirty and wet only to see them rust and
lose their effectiveness over time. But with proper maintenance and a little time
spent, your tools, materials and equipment can last and be effective for many years
to come.

Assessment: (Post-Test)

A. Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer among the choices.

1. Many farmers may forget to check the troubleshooting section, which can cost
them even more time out of the field.
a. Not reading the Operator’s Manual
b. Improper Maintenance
c. Poor electrical connection
d. Overrunning machines capability
e. Not replacing worn out when needed

2. Sometimes farmers or their employees will miss some grease or lube locations on
a new machine because they didn't go through all the lube locations the first time
with the owner's manual out.
a. Not reading the Operator’s Manual
 b. Improper Maintenance
c. Poor electrical connection
d. Overrunning machines capability
e. Not replacing worn out when needed

3. “This is a big cause of breakdowns with today's newer machinery and is a hard
one for owners to try to prevent”.
a. Not reading the Operator’s Manual
b. Improper Maintenance
c. Poor electrical connection
d. Overrunning machines capability
e. Not replacing worn out when needed

4. You should find where a machine's maximum performance level is and then “pull it
back a hair” so that you are not running it at maximum constantly.
a. Not reading the Operator’s Manual
b. Improper Maintenance
c. Poor electrical connection
d. Overrunning machines capability
e. Not replacing worn out when needed

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5. Many times when a part on a machine breaks, farmers replace just the part that
broke or failed, but fail to check or replace other parts that may have caused the
initial failure.
a. Not reading the Operator’s Manual
b. Improper Maintenance
c. Poor electrical connection
d. Overrunning machines capability
e. Not replacing worn out when needed

6. Running tractors in poor weather conditions also can result in problems.

a. Overrunning machine's capability
b. Not replacing worn parts when needed
c. Tightener misalignment
d. Improper storage
e. Improper weather-related use
7. The problem is that debris will attract rodents, which will often nest inside or gnaw
at wires. The dust itself can interfere with electrical connections
a. Overrunning machine's capability
b. Not replacing worn parts when needed
c. Tightener misalignment
d. Improper storage
e. Improper weather-related use
8. This puts tension on the belt or chain and can cause it to break or wear
excessively.
a. Overrunning machine's capability
b. Not replacing worn parts when needed
c. Tightener misalignment
 d. Improper storage
e. Improper weather-related use
9. By replacing only the broken part, you will temporarily fix the problem but will likely
have another breakdown soon because you did not fix all the worn parts.
a. Overrunning machine's capability
b. Not replacing worn parts when needed
c. Tightener misalignment
d. Improper storage
e. Improper weather-related use
10. Overrunning the machine puts a strain on all the drives and makes breakdowns
much more likely to occur.
a. Overrunning machine's capability
b. Not replacing worn parts when needed
c. Tightener misalignment
d. Improper storage
e. Improper weather-related use

B. Enumeration: Causes of Machinery Breakdown

_________________ _________________ _________________ __________

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C. TRUE OR FALSE: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the
statement is wrong.

1. Gardening tools can be quiet dangerous if they are not looked

after.
2. The bigger tools like shovels, spades and hoes only require the
use of a mill file.
3. When storing your tools, keep them off the ground so they’re not
exposed to moisture on your garage
4. Another key to garden tool maintenance is keeping your tools
dull.
5. Garden tools are probably the most neglected of tools
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