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

Name: Edwin Crisperzon Victor H. Mendoza Date Given: JAN 30, 2024
Lecture Instructor: Michelle Baltazar Date Due:

Laboratory Exercise 1

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND

EQUIPMENT

I. Introduction

Agricultural equipment is defined as any kind of machinery used in farming

operations. It provides power to areas of labor shortage, improves work capacity so
widespread planting and cropping intensity can be increased, and improves the quality
and uniformity of the process so that the accuracy and reliability as well as quality will be
assured. There are many types of agricultural equipment depending on the kind of
agricultural operations. In this laboratory exercise, you will be introduced to different
agricultural equipment.

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. Visit the ABE Lab/Engineering Shop at Mindanao Engineering Center or any

facilities that have 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 machinery.

III. Materials

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

IV. Results and/or Discussion

A. Classification of Agricultural Machinery Based on Application

Subject In-charge: Engr. Michelle Baltazar

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

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

Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Description

Operation
Laboy Tiller Rotary tillers are tractor-mounted
implements designed to break and
Land Preparation
prepare soil for planting. They
typically consist of rotating blades or
tines that churn and mix the soil.

Crop Establishment Plastic Drumseeder A Plastic Drum Seeder is a type of

planting equipment designed for
sowing seeds in rows. It may have a
plastic drum or container that
dispenses seeds evenly as it moves
along the field. Such seeders are
efficient in ensuring proper seed
placement and spacing.

Crop care and Crop Sprayer A Crop Sprayer is an agricultural

maintenance machine used for applying pesticides,
herbicides, or fertilizers to crops. It
typically consists of a tank for
holding the spraying material, a
pump, and a set of nozzles. Crop
sprayers help distribute chemicals
evenly over the crops to control pests
or provide nutrients.
Harvesting/Threshing Power Tiller Operated Vertical This equipment appears to combine
Conveyor Reaper features of a power tiller, vertical
conveyor, and reaper. A power tiller
is a small tractor-like machine used
for soil cultivation. The vertical
conveyor and reaper components
suggest it may be involved in
harvesting operations, possibly for
crops like grains.

Drying Maligaya Flatbed Dryer The Maligaya Flatbed Dryer is likely

a type of grain dryer used to reduce
the moisture content of harvested
grains. Flatbed dryers provide a flat
surface for spreading grains in a thin
layer, allowing for efficient and
uniform drying.

MicroMill A MicroMill can refer to various

tools or equipment depending on the
Milling
Subject In-charge: Engr. Michelle Baltazar
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 AE 30A– Basic Farm Machinery and Mechanization 1 Laboratory Report

context. In the context of agriculture,

it might be a small-scale milling
machine used for processing
agricultural products like grains. It
could also be related to
microfabrication processes, involving
precision milling at a microscopic
scale.

B. Discussion Questions

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

 Increased Efficiency: Agricultural machinery speeds up various tasks, such as planting, harvesting,
and plowing, leading to increased overall efficiency in farm operations.
 Labor Savings: Mechanization reduces the need for manual labor, allowing farmers to focus on
more strategic and skilled aspects of farming. This is especially beneficial during peak seasons.
 Precision Farming: Modern machinery facilitates precision farming techniques, enabling farmers to
precisely control inputs like seeding, fertilization, and irrigation. This leads to optimized resource
use and improved yields.
 Time Savings: Machinery allows for faster completion of tasks, saving valuable time during critical
periods like planting and harvesting seasons.
 Scale of Operation: Farmers using machinery can manage larger areas of land, promoting
economies of scale and potentially increasing overall productivity.
 Consistency and Quality: Machinery can provide consistent and high-quality results in various
tasks, contributing to the reliability and marketability of agricultural products.

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

 High Initial Cost: The acquisition and maintenance of agricultural machinery can be expensive,
posing a barrier for small-scale farmers with limited financial resources.
 Dependency on Technology: Machinery breakdowns or technical issues may lead to downtime, and
farmers may require specialized knowledge or technical support for repairs.
 Environmental Impacts: Some machinery, particularly large tractors, can contribute to soil
compaction, and the use of fuel-powered machinery raises concerns about environmental pollution
and resource consumption.
 Skills and Training: Proper operation and maintenance of modern agricultural machinery require
specific skills and training. Farmers need to invest time and effort in learning and adapting to new
technologies.
 Social Implications: The widespread adoption of machinery can lead to a reduction in demand for
manual labor, potentially impacting rural employment and traditional farming communities.

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

This exercise involved hands-on experiences with different types of agricultural machinery,
understanding their operation, and possibly addressing issues related to maintenance and safety.
Practical knowledge gained from this exercises can enhance my understanding of the application
of machinery in agriculture.

III. Conclusion

Subject In-charge: Engr. Michelle Baltazar

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

Agricultural machinery has allowed farmers to scale their operations, manage larger areas of
land, and enhance overall productivity. It has also contributed to labor savings, enabling farmers to
focus on strategic decision-making and other essential aspects of farm management. Additionally,
innovations in equipment design and technology have led to more sustainable farming practices,
reducing waste and environmental impact.

IV. Citation

Philippine Rice Research Institute. (2022, August 31). Machines - Philippine Rice Research Institute.

https://www.philrice.gov.ph/products/machines/

Harvesting and Threshing Equipments. (2017). All India Coordinated Research Project on Farm Implements

and Machinery. Retrieved February 7, 2024, from

https://aicrp.icar.gov.in/fim/salient-achievements/harvesting-and-threshing-equipments/

V. Appendices

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

Subject In-charge: Engr. Michelle Baltazar

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