Topic 4

Land preparation Machinery

4.1 - Tractor and its Nomenclature

Introduction
Tractors are mechanical device consisting of an engine and power transmission system. They are
very versatile machines that produces high torque on its wheels for pulling various implements in
the farm. They are equipped with a rotary shaft (power take-off shaft) that produces rotary power
for the operation of rotary-powered implements. Tractors are equipped with a hydraulic system
for lifting and lowering (during transport) and positioning (during operation) of various
implements in the farm.
Classification of tractors
Tractors are classified as two-wheel tractor and 4-wheel tractors:
Two-wheel tractors – these are single-axle machine powered by an engine ranging from 3 hp –
15 hp. Various implements are attached to this tractor and the operator walks behind to provide
control.
Classification according to function
1. Traction – provides pulling power through its drawbar. Fitted with pneumatic tires for
dry land operation and cage wheels for wetland operation. This is equipped with a single
bottom moldboard plow or two-bottom disk plow and comb-tooth harrow and a trailer
for transport.

Typical pedestrian (traction-type) tractor and its components

Source: PAES 109
2. Rotary-type – powered by torque and fitted with blades to cut and pulverize the soil.
Rotary blades maybe attached to rear-axle powered by PTO by the tractor for dry land
operation. Rotary blades maybe attached to front axle similar to cage wheel for wetland
operation. It comes with floating device for deep mud conditions.
 Walking-type agricultural tractor (rotary-type)
Source: PAES 110
Four-wheel Tractor – These are double-axle machine powered by an engine ranging from 15 hp
– over 100 hp. It is a slow-moving vehicle (up to 30 kph) with high torque on the driving wheels.
It comes with multiple speed transmission including reverse to accommodate various field
speeds. Power is delivered as draft at the drawbar, rotary at the PTO and lifting at the hydraulic
system. The figure below shows the typical control of a four-wheel tractor.

Typical controls of a four-wheel tractor

(Source: PAES 118:2001)

Preliminaries before starting a tractor

1. Tractor operator performs pre-work inspections or walk around to ensure the tractor is
in good operating condition.
2. Check the tire pressures at least weekly. Use the tire pressure gauge to check the tires
with the following pressures;
a. Front tires air pressure, lbs/in2
Four-ply tire 20 – 28
Six-ply 20 - 36
b. Rear tires 12 – 16
3. Daily maintenance is the best way to keep your tractor in top running condition.
Check the following items in the engine and make corrective measures if desired
a. Lubricating oil level
 b. Cooling water level
c. Battery electrolyte level
d. Fuel level
e. Fan belt slack
4. Pay special attention to the danger, warning and caution label on the tractor.
5. Do not operate tractor or any implement attached to it while under the influence of
alcohol, medication, controlled substance or while fatigue.
6. Never wear loose, torn, or bulky clothing around tractor. It may catch on moving
parts or controls, leading to the risk of an accident.
7. Do not allow passenger to ride on any part of the tractor anytime. The operator must
remain in the tractor seat during operation.
8. Check the tightness of all nuts and bolts regularly.
9. Keep your tractor clean. Dirt, grease and trash build up may contribute to fires and
lead to personal injury.
10. Use only implements meeting the specifications.
11. Use proper weights on the front or rear of the tractor to reduce risk of upsets.
12. Do not modify the tractor. Unauthorized modification may affect the function of the
tractor, which may result in personal injury.

4.2 - Implements for tillage operation

Introduction
Agricultural implements are designed to perform agricultural operations. They are further
classified into: (a) towed, mounted, and semi-mounted implements. Tillage is a mechanical
manipulation of soil to provide favorable condition for crop production. Soil tillage consists of
breaking the compact surface of earth to a certain depth and to loosen the soil mass, so as to
enable the roots of the crops to penetrate and spread into the soil. Tillage equipment include
plow and harrow used to prepare the land to make it ready for seeding and planting operation.
Classification of Tillage
Primary tillage
It constitutes the initial major soil working operation. It is normally designed to reduce
soil strength, cover plant materials and rearrange aggregates. The operations performed to open
up any cultivable land with a view to prepare a seed bed for growing crops is known as primary
tillage. Tractor drawn implements include moldboard plough, disc plough, subsoil plough, chisel
plough and other similar implements.

 Moldboard plow – invert the soil

  Disk plow – loosen and invert soil

 Chisel plow – loosen soil

 Subsoiler – deep loosening of soil hardpan

Plow accessories there are a few accessories necessary for plow such as (i) Jointer (ii)
Coulter (iii) Gauge wheel (iv) Land wheel and (v) Furrow wheel.
Jointer - It is a small irregular piece of metal having a shape similar to an ordinary plow
bottom. It looks like a miniature plough. Its purpose is to turn over a small ribbon like furrow
slice directly in front of the main plow bottom. This small furrow slice is cut from the left and
upper side of the main furrow slice and is inverted so that all trashes on the top of the soil are
completely turned down and buried under the right hand corner of the furrow.
Coulter- It is a device used to cut the furrow slice vertically from the land ahead of the
plow bottom. It cuts the furrow slice from the land and leaves a clear wall. It also cuts trashes
which are covered under the soil by the plow. The coulter may be (a) Rolling type disc coulter or
(b) Sliding type knife coulter.
Gauge wheel- It is an auxiliary wheel of an implement to maintain uniform depth of
working. Gauge wheel helps to maintain uniformity in respect of depth of plowing in different
soil conditions. It is usually placed in hanging position.
Land wheel - It is the wheel of the plow, which runs on the plowed land. Front furrow
wheel - It is the front wheel of the plow, which runs in the furrow.
Rear furrow wheel - It is the rear wheel of the plow, which runs in the furrow.
Secondary tillage
Tillage operations following primary tillage those are performed to create proper soil tilth for
seeding and planting are secondary tillage. These are lighter and finer operations, performed on
the soil after primary tillage operations. Secondary tillage consists of conditioning the soil to
meet the different tillage objectives of the farm. The implements include different types of
harrow, cultivators, levelers, clod crushers
 Lesson 4.3 - Occupational Health and Safety

Introduction
Before starting in a new are all operator’s must be involved in identifying any significant
hazards on the site and the way those hazards will be controlled. There must be documented
evidence on site listing the hazards and control, and showing that all operators have been run
through those hazards and controls.

HEALTH HAZARDS

HAZARD CONTROL
Lack of rest/sleep  Build short frequent rest breaks into
your work routine
 Take at least two evenly spaced 30
minute rest breaks during the
working day.
Early starts  Go to bed earlier to replace the sleep
you lose in the morning
 Once early starts have finished, allow
time for your body to recover.
Alcohol abuse  Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24
hours before carrying out any hard
physical work.
Drugs  Avoid all non-prescription drugs as
they seriously affect both your
mental and physical ability to work.
 Before receiving any medication, tell
your doctor what you do for a living.
Poor nutrition  Start each day with a high
carbohydrate breakfast.
 Eat high protein foods like meat,
chicken, eggs, and milk.
 Eat at the start of a break and rest to
allow digestion.
Lack of hygiene/infection  Clean and dress any cuts or scratches
received on the job as soon as
possible and keep the covered.
 Make sure the first aid kit is kept
fully stocked.
 Bath or shower every night.
 Eat a balanced diet to keep your
body healthy.
 Wear clean clothes against the skin
every day.
Manufacturers are continually improving the
design of tractors to make them safer.
However, they are unable, as yet, to build in
mechanisms which recognize unsafe
conditions. Tractor operators who know
their machine and are aware of the hazards
which may occur, are better equipped to
avoid a tractor mishap.

Lesson 4.4 - Types of Tractor-Related Accidents

Rollovers or overturns are involved in about half of the fatal tractor accidents and are responsible
for many disabling injuries and much property damage. With the use of protective frames and
crush-resistant cabs with seat belts, the number of serious and fatal injuries from such accidents
should decrease. Rollovers are generally due to the driving too fast for conditions; striking
surface hazards such as rocks, stumps and holes; running into ditches; hitching high for extra
traction; driving on steep slopes; and operating front-end loaders.

Falls from moving tractors often result in serious

and sometimes fatal injuries. Many times the
victim is a child, but operators and adult riders can
also fall. Falls often occur from smaller and/or
older tractors used around the farmstead, where
extra riders and overhead hazards are more
common than in fields.

Another cause of tractor-connected injuries and

damage involve:
 Colliding with motor vehicles or roadside objects;
 Slipping and falling while mounting and dismounting:
 Running over bystanders:
 Striking overhead hazards being struck by flying objects, broken parts or hydraulic fluid;
 Being crushed by a poorly supported tractor during repair work;
 Sustaining cuts, bruises, burns and other nuisance, but painful injuries, connected with
maintenance and routine operation;
 Being struck by exhaust gases inside closed buildings;
 Being burned by fires that erupt during refueling or as a result of a collision or upset.
 Lesson 4.5 - HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF TRACTOR ACCIDENTS

Be Physically and Mentally Fit

There are numerous human factors involved in fatal tractor-related accidents. Certain factors like
poor judgment, poor attitude, insufficient knowledge
or training, fatigue, haste, stress, depression,
intoxication, or showing of can cause a fatal tractor
overturn accident.
Each operator should be physically and mentally fit
when operating a tractor. An operator who is sleepy,
tired or not feeling well may not be able to react in
time to avoid an accident. Your tractor does what you
make it do.

Be Properly Trained

A person who does not know how to operate the tractor safely in potentially hazardous situations
can be injured or killed by existing poor judgment. Make sure all persons permitted to operate
tractors have been thoroughly trained. A good place to start training is with the operator’s
manual, if possible with the tractor in front of you.

Be Familiar with Operator’s Manual

Read and follow procedures as outlined in the operator’s manual. By being familiar with the
operating features of a tractor, the operator will develop confidence when the tractor is driven
under adverse conditions.
Learn the location and purpose of all the gauges and control as well as their indicators. Knowing
where the controls are by memory can allow you to react more quickly in an emergency
situation. There have been accident situations where individuals have become entangled in
machinery or the Power Take-Off shaft and rescuers or family did not know how to disengage
the equipment. Family members should be showed how to shut down equipment or disengage
the PTO in case of emergency.
A copy of all operating manuals and other relevant safety materials should be kept on file
for quick reference.

Use Tractor for Intended Purposes

The tractor has many uses around the farm, however,

improper use can result in an accident. For example,
using the tractor to round up the cattle is dangerous
because the operator may encounter rough, uneven
ground and make sharp turns at high speeds.
Check Tractor before Operating

A pre-operational, check of the tractor will assure you that it is in safe operating condition.
Check the tires for proper inflation and defects, windows for visibility, seat position, seat belts,
brakes for adjustments, steering response, rear view mirrors, slow-moving vehicle emblem,
reflectors, and running lights for day or night time operation.

Safety Check: Walk around the tractor and any attached implement checking the area for
obstacles that may be under or near the tractor. This includes stones, boards, children’s toys etc.
Make sure there are no bystanders; remember this is a work area. Check that the wheels are free,
not frozen or stuck in parts or objects on the tractor for any signs as tools on the platforms or
around brakes and other controls.

Service Walk around: Walk around the tractor a second time and to check the tractor itself.
This time look at the tires for wear and inflation, the power takeoff shaft for shielding and
guarding rotate the shield to make sure it moves freely), the hitch for proper hitch pin and safety
clip. Pay particular attention to the ground under the tractor for any signs of liquid leaks such as
oil, coolant or fuel.

Check the Oil: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check the oil level. If oil is required,
remember to wipe off the filler cap before you remove it to avoid dirt falling from the engine.
Use a clean funnel and clean the top of the oil can to prevent rust or any other foreign objects
going in with the oil.

Check the Radiator: Slowly remove the red cap and check the liquid level.

Check the Air Pre-Cleaner and Air Cleaner: Remove and shake out any dirt.

Check the Fuel Level: Fill if necessary, but it should have been filled at the end of the last day
the tractor was used.

Check the Fire Extinguisher: Your tractor should have a fire extinguisher in case of fire during
operation or refueling. Make sure it is changed and easily accessible.
Any noted defects should be corrected immediately. These can affect performance and
your safety!
 Self- Check at 4.1
Multiple Choice:
Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice on your answer sheet.
1. These is a mechanical device consisting of an engine and powered transmission system
that produces high torque on its wheels for pulling implements in the farm.
A. Tractor
B. Mechanical transplanter
C. Combine harvester
D. Reaper
1. A single-axle machine powered by an engine ranging from 3hp-15hp, operator walks
behind to provide control.
A. Four-wheel tractor
B. Two-wheel tractor
C. Tractor
D. 3-wheel tractor
2. The function of this tractor is to provide pulling power through its drawbar.
A. Rotary-type
B. Four-wheel tractor
C. Traction-type
D. Two-wheel tractor
3. ________maintenance is the best way to keep your tractor in top running condition.
A. Yearly
B. Monthly
C. Weekly
D. Daily
4. The following items in the must be checked and given corrective measures if desired
except one.
A. Lubricating oil level
B. Brake fluid level
C. Cooling water level
D. Battery electrolyte level

Self-Check at 4.2

Multiple Choice:
Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice on your answer sheet.
1. Operations performed to open up any cultivable land with a view to prepare a seed
bed for growing crops is known as:
A. Primary Tillage
B. Secondary Tillage
C. First Harrowing
D. Second Harrowing
 2. It is a small irregular piece of metal having a shape similar to an ordinary plow
bottom.
A. Coulter
B. Gauge wheel
C. Land wheel
D. Jointer
Enumeration: On your answer sheet, answer the following questions:
1. Enumerate the four (4) tractor drawn implements.

Self-Check at 4.4

True or False:
Directions: Identify whether the given statement is true or false. Write (T) if it is true and (F) if
it is false. Write your answers in a separate sheet.
____1. There must be documented evidence on site listing the hazards and control, and showing
that all operators have been through these hazards and controls.
____2. Before receiving any medication, it is not necessary to tell your doctor what you do for a
job.
____3. It is a must to clean and dress any cuts or scratches received on the job as soon as
possible and keep it covered.
____4. Tractor upsets also occur when handling small round hay bales and other light loads with
front end loaders.
____5. Certain factors like poor judgment, poor attitude, insufficient knowledge or training,
fatigue, haste, stress, depression, intoxication, or showing off can cause a fatal tractor overturn
accident.
____6. A person who knows how to operate a tractor safely in potentially hazardous situations
can be injured or killed by exercising poor judgment. ____7. Knowing where the controls are by
memory can allow operator to react more quickly in an emergency situation.
____8. Family members should not be showed how to shut down equipment or disengage PTO
in case of emergency.
____9. A pre-operational check of the tractor will not assure that it is in safe operating condition.
___10. A copy of all operating manuals and other relevant safety materials kept on file for quick
reference is not important.