60
Agricultural Mechanics
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Knowledge of mechanics applied to agricultural machinery, the characteristics of the processes performed, the technical and economic aspects, and the risk factors associated with their use.
Course Prerequisites
- Elements of mathematics;
- Elements of physics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and/or practical technical lessons in the field and exercises on the topics covered.
Assessment Methods
The assessment of the student’s acquired knowledge consists of an oral exam, aimed at assessing the student’s understanding of the subject matter, their ability to connect and summarize it in a concise, complete, organized, and structured manner, using technical and formally correct vocabulary. The oral exam will be graded on the following scale.
30-30 with honors. Complete, detailed, and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, with correct terminology. Excellent understanding, distinguishing key points and developing interdisciplinary connections. Consolidated ability to apply knowledge and analyze results. Clear, structured, logical, and concise presentation.
28-29: In-depth knowledge, correct terminology, and explanation of the main concepts. Solid understanding, framing of key points, and discussion with individual insights. Excellent ability to apply knowledge and analyze results. Clear, articulate, logical, and mature presentation, albeit with some inaccuracies.
25-27: Extensive knowledge, although without fully explaining the relevant content. Use of terminology, not always accurate, identifying key concepts. Adequate understanding, distinguishing key points without fully framing them. Good ability to apply knowledge. Clear presentation, but not always complete, with schematic organization and sometimes fragmented thoughts.
22-24: Acceptable knowledge, albeit with gaps and some confusion in certain concepts. Essential understanding, not always framing the topics or inaccurate. Fair ability to apply fundamental concepts. Correct presentation, but without a clear and coherent structure, including irrelevant material.
18-21: Limited knowledge, with numerous gaps and an inability to illustrate key concepts completely and accurately. Basic understanding, with difficulty distinguishing and framing key points correctly. Uncertainty in applying the fundamental concepts of the subject.
Fail: Poor, fragmented, and incomplete knowledge, lacking essential content. Serious errors in comprehension, failure to answer numerous questions, and failure to identify key concepts. Errors in applying fundamental concepts, failure to achieve an acceptable level of articulation of thought.
Texts
- L. Bodria, G. Pellizzi, P. Piccarolo - Meccanica e meccanizzazione agricola - Edagricole, Bologna.
- M. Lazzari, F. Mazzetto - Meccanica Agraria e Meccanizzazione - Reda, Torino
Contents
Course Introduction:
Course objectives and content, with particular reference to local situations.
Part I
The Tractor:
Architecture, load-bearing structure, and driver's seat; Internal combustion engines; Transmission components; Propulsion and support components; Steering and braking components; Transmission coupling and actuation devices; Tractor dynamic balance.
Part II
Machinery for periodic soil preparation:
Terrain work; Spaders; Rotary cultivators; Seedbed preparation machines; Rotary tillers; Rollers; Combined machines; Cultivation machinery; Inter-vine cultivation machinery; Machines for aerating pastures and permanent grassland;
Fertilization machinery:
Machines for organic fertilization; Machines for handling manure, compost, and separated solid fraction; Transport; Distribution; Homogenization, loading, and distribution of slurry; Distribution of mineral fertilizers.
Seeding and transplanting machinery:
Seeding machinery; Hydroseeding machinery and the use of pre-sown biodegradable film; Combined seed drills for turf regeneration; Planting machinery for tubers and bulbs; Transplanting machinery.
Pest control machinery:
Sprayers.
Forage harvesting machinery:
Mowing machinery; Cutting, harvesting, and loading machinery; Haymaking and swathing machinery; Harvesting, loading, and transport machinery.
Grain crop harvesting machinery:
Combine harvesters; Cleaning and handling equipment; Other harvesting machinery.
Machines for harvesting tubers, roots, and bulbs:
Tuber harvesting machinery; Root harvesting machinery; Carrot harvesting machinery; Bulb harvesting machinery.
Machines for harvesting tree crops:
Machines for grape harvesting; Machines for olives and hard-shell fruit harvesting; Machines for fruit and citrus fruit harvesting.
Part III
Transportation Machines:
Machines for internal-internal movement; Machines for internal-external movement.
Economic Analysis of Agricultural Machinery:
Operating Costs of Agricultural Machinery; Lifespan of Agricultural Machinery; Analysis and Calculation of Fixed Costs; Analysis and Calculation of Variable Costs; Construction Site Costs; Calculation Models for the Valuation of Agricultural Machinery.
Safety, Health, and Ergonomics:
Health Risk Factors; Risk Assessment and Treatment; Prevention and Personal Protection.
Mechanization for Precision Agriculture:
Automation and Control Technologies; Precision Agriculture.
More information
Students learn to evaluate machine performance, choose the most suitable fleet for a farm, and correctly apply tools for soil cultivation, sowing, and harvesting, also considering the agronomic and economic implications.