Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concepts of agriculture mechanization in developing countries;
2. Appreciate different engineering materials alloys that are used in different machinery;
3. Know and appreciate the basis of agricultural workshop;
4. Know and appreciate the mechanization requirements of each operation in agricultural production;
5. Know and differentiate between the different types of machinery and labour saving devices used in agricultural production;
6. Perform basic operations and maintenance of these machines and techniques;
7. Know the design principles of these machines;
8. Understand and appreciate the various power sources available for agricultural operations.
Introduction to agricultural mechanization, mechanical engineering systems overview; Functional principles of systems such as; petrol and diesel engines, micro-hydro, boilers, turbines (steam and gas), air compressors, pumps and robots; Study of mechanism and energy sources; Application in agricultural machinery: Implements and machines used for tillage, planting, planting, spraying and harvesting operations; field efficiency and machines; Processing and storage of agricultural crops; Farm structures, electricity and water supply; Workshop technology; Maintenance and Servicing.
Kaul, R. N., Egbo, C. O., Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation, Macmillan, London, UK, 1985.
Nath, S. Manual of Practicals in Farm Mechanisation, Unitech Printery, Lae, PNG, 1988.
Kalpakjan, S., Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, Addison-Wesley, Boston, USA, 1995.
Mechanical Engineering Plant Engineering Handbooks.
Continuous assessment 40%
Written examination 60%
Phone: +675 473 4999 Fax: +675 475 7776
