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Selection of Agricultural Machinery

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Alvin Abinas
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51 views2 pages

Selection of Agricultural Machinery

Uploaded by

Alvin Abinas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SELECTION OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

• Proper selection of agricultural machinery is important because it is considered a


major investment
• A variety of farm machinery (different types, models and brands) are now
commercially available. Data on actual performance of the various types, models
and brands are needed for a wise selection.
• Points or features of machines that may help select the right machine:
1. Trade mark – stands for the reputation of the manufacturer and a guarantee of
what lies beneath the paint
2. Materials – take note of the quality of materials used and the manufacturing
technology employed in the manufacture of the machine as this will have a direct
bearing on performance and durability
3. Ease of operation – pay attention to placement of controls. Ensure that controls
are accessible and soft to operate. Look for adjustments of handle bars and seats
4. Ease of maintenance – a machine requires daily and periodic maintenance and
adjustments. Ensure that points of maintenance and adjustment are easy to
perform. The machine should have an operator’s manual explaining the procedures.

Safety – check for safety provisions for both machine and operator. All rotating parts
should be provided with shields. Snap clutches or similar devices should be installed to
protect the machine and prime mover in case of overload.

6. Source of repair – make sure that spare parts and service are available nearby. Ask for
local dealers for the machine.

7. Power source – decide if you will need an engine or electric motor.

 If an engine, decide if you want a diesel or gasoline engine. With the gasoline engine,
first cost is lower but operating cost is high. With the diesel engine, first cost is high but
operating cost is low. If operating time per year exceeds 100 hours, use of diesel engines
may be justified.

 If an electric motor, decide if you need single-phase or three-phase electric motor.


Acquisition cost and current requirement of three-phase electric motor is lower but is
three-phase supply line available in your area? The use of single-phase electric motor
may be justified up to 5 hp.

OPTIMIZING USE OF MACHINES


• Smallest capacity that will get the job done on time. However, there should be some
excess capacity on the machine to cover unexpected delays due to weather and/or
machine breakdown

• Often, it is an option to have several small capacity machines rather than just one big
machine. If a big machine breaks down, there is 100% stoppage of work. In the case of
two smaller machines, if one machine breaks down, there is only 50% stoppage of work.
Further, it allows for a 50% lowering of production output.

• The economic goal of mechanization is to maximize profits by getting the maximum


output from machines at a minimum cost.

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