Module Details

Module Code: AGRI6009
Title: Agricultural Mechanisation
Long Title: Agricultural Mechanisation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the learner with a broad understanding of the operating principles, maintenance and safe use of agricultural tractors and machinery including the calibration and use of fertiliser and slurry spreading equipment. Note: as elements of this module are weather dependent, timings of delivery and assessments may alter from time to time.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Outline the operating principles and maintenance requirements of braking, steering and transmission systems commonly used on agricultural tractors and machinery.
LO2 Describe the operating principles of electrical and hydraulic systems used in agricultural machinery.
LO3 Outline and perform the basic service requirements of tractors and agricultural machinery.
LO4 Perform calibration procedures and operate fertiliser and slurry spreading equipment.
LO5 Construct a comprehensive Farm Safety Statement.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Safety
Safe work practices and procedures, hazard assessment and identification, PPE, Identifying responsible persons, completing safety statement and associated documentation.
Tractor maintenance and service
10 hour, 50 hour, 150 hour, 300 hour, 600 hour, 1200 hour service requirements.
Steering and wheels
Tractor and machinery steering system operating principles - mechanical, power-assisted, hydrostatic. Wheel and tyre assembly applications, construction, sizes, markings. Ballasting and wheel slip considerations. Safe jacking and support procedures for wheel removal. Maintenance and adjustment of 2WD and 4WD axles.
Braking systems
Tractor and machinery brake system operating principles. Operating mechanisms. Wet and dry type brakes. Maintenance requirements. Trailer brakes and legal requirements.
Transmission systems
Construction and operating principle of: clutches, gearboxes, differential units, final drives, four wheel drive, power-take-off systems.
Electrical systems.
Batteries, starting and charging systems, lighting systems, safe wiring considerations for machinery.
Hydraulic systems
Hydraulic controls - draft and position control, flow rate and response control, auxiliary external services. Safe loader operation and maintenance procedures.
Fertiliser applications
Fertiliser applicator types (wagtail and disc), spreading patterns, calibration of fertiliser spreader, safe operating and maintenance procedures for fertiliser spreaders.
Slurry applications
Machine types, calibration procedures, maintenance procedures, Safety awareness and proficient operation of tractor driven slurry handling and spreading equipment.
Precision farming technology
Use of Global Positioning System (GPS) for fertiliser and crop spraying applications.
Trailers and Equipment Regulations
Trailer and agricultural vehicle legal requirements, plating, lighting and markings, weights and dimensions, coupling devices.
Agri fuel use and storage
Gas oil use and storage calculations, storage requirements, fuel additives. Use and storage of lubricants and greases for agricultural machinery.
Basic workshop practices
Identification and safe use of hand and power tools for machinery maintenance applications. Use of arc-welder.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Complete a safety statement using a proforma document. Assignment allocated in week one and due by week five
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Outline and perform basic maintenance operations relating to tractor and machinery steering, braking, transmission, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Calibrate spreaders and apply fertiliser and slurry to a given area of land.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Short answer questions relating to tractor and machinery operating principles, maintenance and safety considerations.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class based lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Fieldwork and workshop based practical training sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students are expected to do an additional three hours of self-directed independent learning weekly. The lecturer will at times indicate to students areas they should pay particular attention to. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class Based Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Fieldwork and workshop based practical training sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students are expected to do an additional three hours of self-directed independent learning weekly. The lecturer will at times indicate to students areas they should pay particular attention to. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Larkin Hansen, S. & A.. (2015), Maintaining Small-Farm Equipment, Storey Publishing, [ISBN: 9781612125275].
  • Dave Jordan. Health and Safety on the Farm, Teagasc.
  • Joseph Kinsella. (2012), Health, Safety & Welfare Law in Ireland, CH 1-4 & 7-9, Gill & Macmillan Ltd, [ISBN: 9780717152636].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Sommer, S.G.; Christensen, M.L.; Schmidt, T.. (2013), Animal Manure Recycling: Treatment and Management, Ch 1,2,3,4,12, Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 978111848853].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory
CR_BAGRI_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory