MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (ENGINEERING I) BSC105

Learn the Essentials of selection, use, and maintenance of machines and equipment used in Horticulture and Agriculture

  • An introductory level course with particular reference to agriculture and horticulture
  • Develop your knowledge to be able to manage the selection, maintenance and engineering of tools and machinery.
  • Learn how tools work and how they are used.

Improve your understanding of Machinery and Equipment - how it works, how to maintain it, how to use it.

  • Gain an understanding of how machinery works.
  • Study electronics, hydraulics, the components and operation of parts of an engine, types of tools and much more.
  • Learn how to select the most appropriate machinery or tools for the task at hand.
  • Learn about the operation of machinery and equipment.
  • Learn how things work so you have an understanding of how to maintian machinery and equipment.

 

Course Structure and Lesson Content

There are eight lessons as follows:

Lesson 1. Engine Operation
  • History of Engines
  • Measurements and mechanical principles
  • Load, Force, Pressure, Atmospheric Pressure
  • Gravity, Centre of Gravity, Specific Gravity
  • Density, Volumetric Efficiency, Vacuum, Work, Power, Energy
  • Bore, Piston Motion, Piston Displacement
  • Compression Ratio
  • Converting Imperial Measurements to Metric
  • Understanding a Petrol Engine
  • Engine Operating Cycle
  • The Transmission System Stages in 4 Stroke Spark Ignition Engine Cycle
  • Stages in 2 stroke spark ignition Engine Cycle
  • Engine Efficiency
  • Understanding Electricity
  • Circuits
  • Measuring Electricity; current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s Law
  • Power
  • Electricity Supply; batteries, mains power, generators, solar cells
  • Electricity and Engines
  • Electric Motors
Lesson 2.  Hydraulics
  • What is Hydraulics
  • Simple Hydraulic System
  • Pumps
  • Tractors
  • Hydraulic Tappings
  • System Valves
  • 3 point linkage on tractors
  • Pressure
  • Measuring Pressure
  • Pressure Head
  • Friction Loss
  • Calculating Friction Loss
  • Calculating Discharge or Flow
  • Velocity
  • Water Hammer
  • Submersible Pumps
  • Irrigation
  • Measuring Water available to plants
  • Irrigation Calculations
Lesson 3.  Machinery Components
  • Parts of an Engine
  • Lubrication System
  • Cooling System
  • Fuel System
  • Ignition System
  • Transmission System
  • Examples of Mechanisation; potting machines, planters and drills, harvesters, graders, mowers
Lesson 4. Hand Tools
  • Lifting objects manually
  • Scope of tools and equipment
  • Secateurs
  • Hand Saws
  • Rakes
  • Spades and Shovels
  • Forks
  • Aerating Equipment
  • Rollers
  • Hoes
  • Wheelbarrows
  • Sprayers
Lesson 5. Power Tools
  • Types of tools
  • Drills
  • Grinders
  • Power Saws
  • Compressors
  • Hedge Trimmers
  • Chain Saws
  • Brush Cutters
  • Mowers
  • Mulchers
  • Rotary Hoes
  • Tool Safety
  • Tool Maintenance
Lesson 6.Tractors
  • Choosing a tractor
  • Choosing implements and attachments
  • Mini Tractors
  • Tractor Parts
  • Clutch
  • Transmission
  • Tractor safety
  • Tractor operation
  • Tractor Engine
  • Fault Finding
  • Common Operating faults
Lesson 7.  Equipment Maintenance
  • Cleaning and Sharpening tools
  • Secateurs and branch cutting tools
  • Shovels and spades
  • Saws and Chainsaws
  • Rust protection
  • Maintaining timber handles
  • Plastic handles
  • Storage
  • Maintenance Procedures and Schedules
  • Training Equipment Operators
  • Rules for Operators
  • Engine Oil Additives
Lesson 8. Specific Workplace Requirements
  • Machinery Specifications
  • Application for an Industry Sector

 

Duration: 100 hours

 

Aims For Learning

  • To explain the operation of different types of motors, including petrol and electric engines.
  • To explain the principles of hydraulics in relation to agricultural and horticultural use.
  • To explain the operation of the main components of machinery commonly used in agriculture and horticulture including cooling, lubrication, fuel distribution, ignition and transmission systems.
  • To explain the safe and effective operation of different hand tools commonly used in agriculture or horticulture.
  • To determine the safe and appropriate operation of power tools in horticultural and agricultural situations.
  • To explain the safe and appropriate operation of a tractor in horticultural and agricultural situations.
  • Explain the maintenance procedures for different equipment commonly used in agriculture and horticulture, including hand tools, power tools and tractors.
  • To determine appropriate equipment for minimum work requirements in an agricultural or horticultural workplace.

 

What Do You Know about Tools and Equipment?

These days, a great deal of work can be undertaken using power tools. Nevertheless, there are many refined jobs that still require the use of hand tools. In fact, many highly skilled carpenters and cabinet makers would be 'lost' without an array of hand tools which afford them a greater sense of control and precision over power tools. In other instances, there may be no power available to run power tools or it just might not be practical to do so.

This course teaches you about the tools and techniques used for a wide variety of different types of work; from farming and landscaping to construction. It provides insights into how technology and the application of physics and other sciences; can make work more effective and productive in just about any workplace; or even around the home. 

 

This Course is Suitable For:

  • Horticulturists: crop producers, grounds managers, parks and gardens, roadside and land management.
  • Agriculturists: farmers, farm machinery suppliers.
  • Anyone working machines and equipment in these industries.

 

Relevant Learning

Tools and equipment are often essential, and expensive requirements for the completion of work. Understanding how they work means you will be better placed to determine what the most suitable tools or equipment are for particular work. If you are buying rather than hiring, understanding the operation and maintenance of tools or equipment means that you can make them last for longer, saving you money, but also will mean that you can ensure they are still safe to use for their intended application.

 

You can start studying with ACS at any time. Our students our supported and guided in their studies by our excellent tutors.
If you have any questions or want to know more about studying with ACS, then please get in touch with us today. You can phone us on (UK) 01384 442752 (International) +44 (0) 1384 442752, or use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to connect with our tutors.