Machines of the Farm: Theory and Practice

Machines of the Farm: Theory and Practice is a detailed and in-depth textbook that provides a thorough understanding of farm machines, their mechanics and management. This book deep dives into practical concepts pertaining to agricultural equipment, their calibration and adjustments which are essential for an agricultural engineer in the field. Alongside descriptions of specific machines, the scientific principles governing the operation of these machines are also elaborated on in length.

This book blends theoretical insights and practical applications, and includes chapters on mechanics, materials, selection, and performance evaluation to ensure a broad understanding of the subject. The initial chapters offer a brief overview of farm machinery, its need, and current standing within the context of modern agriculture. It details the key objectives of farm mechanization and delves into primary tillage equipment and ploughs in depth. Following this, the subsequent chapters address secondary tillage equipment, machinery for sowing the crop, weed control, crop protection, manure application and crop harvesting. Each chapter contains worked examples which give the agricultural practitioner the theory as well as the context within which to apply the concepts being relayed. The concluding chapters review the testing of farm machines and earth moving equipment, while also considering performance against cost.

Machines of the Farm is a useful resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in the field of Agricultural Engineering who are enrolled in courses on Farm Machines. Additionally agricultural engineers in the field, farm machinery designers, and agricultural consultants who want to deepen their understanding of agricultural equipment would also benefit from Machines of the Farm. To further learning objectives this textbook contains a full solutions manual for qualified instructors and worked examples and exercise questions for students.