Functional Analysis of Agricultural Machines

An agricultural machine has several components that work

together as a system in order for the machine to perform in the
intended manner.

To understand how a machine works it is essential to consider

the machine as a collection (or system) of several subsystems,
their identification and functions.
An agricultural machine may be divided into:
a) Support systems: Parts that support or aid the process
systems in performing their function i.e.
i) Framing systems : Consists of all structural parts of a
machine whose functions are to hold all the parts
of a machine together, for proper functioning.
ii) Power systems: Supplies the power to the process
systems. Power to operate would normally be
produced and transmitted by the power system e.g.
engines, chains, belts, gears, PTO shafts etc.
iii) Control systems : Provide control over the process
system. Control could be automatic or manual e.g.
steering, hydraulic etc.
b) Process Systems
Components of machine that actually perform the functions
the machine was designed for i.e.
i) Reversible processes: are those that can be reversed
e.g. separation, compaction, mixing, packing,
pick-up, scattering etc.
ii) Non-reversible processes: those that cannot be
reversed, e.g. cutting, grinding, crushing,
dissociating etc.
iii) Non-directional processes: those with no direction
e.g. conveying, metering, storing etc.

AGRICULTURAL MACHINE

Support System Process System

Frame Power Control Reversible Non-Reversible Non-Directional

A process diagram breaks a machine down into several

functional processes.
 Means machine mobility is part of the process.

Process occurring totally within the

machine

Plough

Hay-baler

Function of a sprayer - pump, mix, agitate, meter and atomize

Combine: Cut, feed, thrush, separate and clean. Draw the
process diagrams.