AE 30A– Basic Farm Machinery and Mechanization Laboratory Report 1

Name: Mark Louie D. Suganob Date Given:

Lecture Instructor: __________________ Date Due:

Laboratory Exercise 1

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

I. Introduction

Agricultural equipment is any kind of machinery used in farming operation.

It provides power to areas of labor shortage, improve work capacity so
widespread planting and cropping intensity can be increased, and improve the
quality and uniformity of the process so that the accuracy and reliability as well
as quality will be assured.

II. Objectives

1. Familiarized the different agricultural equipment

2. Categorized agricultural equipment based on their use/application
3. Discussed the importance of machinery in agricultural operation

III. General Instruction

1. If possible, find and visit at ABE Lab/Engineering Shop at Mindanao Engineering

Center or any facilities have an agricultural machinery within the university.
2. Ask the person in charge if it is possible to roam around (with the supervision by
Laboratory Instructor) and for an interview about agricultural equipment.
3. Observing how to set-up and operate the agricultural machineries.

III. Materials

1. Field notebook, ballpen, Digital Camera (or any).

IV. Results and/or Discussion

A. Classification of Agricultural Machinery Based on Application

Table 1. Agricultural machinery and equipment classification (for rice production).

Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Description

Operation

Land Preparation

Crop Establishment

Crop care and

maintenance

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AE 30A– Basic Farm Machinery and Mechanization Laboratory Report 1

Harvesting/Threshing

Drying

Milling

B. Discussion Questions

1. What are the advantages of using machinery in agricultural operation?

Using machinery in agricultural operations provides several advantages:

1. Increased efficiency: Machinery allows for faster and more efficient completion of tasks
such as planting, harvesting, and plowing.
2. Labor savings: Machinery can replace manual labor, reducing the need for manual labor
and increasing productivity.
3. Consistency: Machinery operates at a consistent speed, ensuring uniform and accurate
results.
4. Increased yields: The use of machinery can lead to increased yields by allowing for larger
areas to be worked in a shorter amount of time.
5. Cost savings: In the long run, the use of machinery can be more cost-effective compared
to manual labor, as it can save time, increase efficiency, and reduce the need for labor.
6. Improved safety: Machinery can reduce the risk of injury to workers and make tasks safer
to perform.

2. What are the disadvantages of using machinery in agricultural operation?

The use of machinery in agricultural operations also has several disadvantages including:

1. High cost of equipment: The initial cost of purchasing and maintaining machinery can be
expensive for farmers, particularly for small-scale operations.
2. Depletion of soil fertility: The heavy use of machinery can lead to soil compaction and a
decline in soil fertility over time.
3. Increased energy use: Mechanization requires energy inputs such as fuel or electricity,
contributing to higher overall energy costs and a larger carbon footprint.
4. Dependence on technology: Overreliance on machinery can limit farmers' ability to adapt
to changes in technology or the market.
5. Limited access to remote areas: Machinery may not be able to access remote or rough
terrain, limiting the potential reach of mechanized agriculture.
6. Job loss: The widespread use of machinery can result in a decrease in manual labor
demand and job loss for farm workers.

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AE 30A– Basic Farm Machinery and Mechanization Laboratory Report 1

3. What are the learnings you obtain about this Laboratory Exercise?

1. Understanding of different types of agricultural machinery and equipment: Participants

can learn about the different types of machinery used in agriculture, such as tractors,
harvesters, plows, and tillers, and their specific functions.
2. Knowledge of machinery specifications: Participants can learn about the specifications
and features of different types of machinery, including power, capacity, and operational
efficiency.
3. Maintenance and repair skills: Participants can gain hands-on experience in maintaining
and repairing machinery, including troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, and making
repairs.
4. Safe operation techniques: Participants can learn about the proper techniques for
operating machinery safely, including how to avoid common hazards and how to respond
in emergency situations.
5. Importance of maintenance: Participants can understand the importance of regular
maintenance and upkeep in order to ensure that machinery continues to operate
effectively and efficiently.
Environmental impact: Participants can learn about the environmental impact of agricultural
machinery and equipment, including energy use and soil degradation, and explore ways to
minimize these impacts

V. Conclusion

However, in general, the use of machinery in agriculture has both advantages and disadvantages. The
adoption of agricultural machinery can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and safety, but it also
comes with costs such as high equipment costs, soil degradation, and dependence on technology.

The conclusion could be that the use of agricultural machinery and equipment is a complex issue that
requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks. To ensure the most effective and
sustainable outcomes, farmers must weigh the costs and benefits of each type of machinery and make
informed decisions about which equipment is best suited to their needs. Furthermore, the development
of new technologies and practices to minimize the negative impacts of machinery use must be an
ongoing priority in order to ensure the continued success of agriculture.

(Make appropriate conclusion in reference to the results/ findings.)

VI. Citation

(Cite properly the works of others and sources that have made reference of your work.)

VII. Appendices

(Attach at least three pictures of yourself doing the laboratory exercise, a picture with
proper caption).

Subject In-charge: Engr. Rolando F. Mabini Jr. Page 3