Lesson Structure: Engineering 1 – Machinery & Equipment – Learn the Basics BSC105

There are 8 lessons:

1. Engine Operation

• History of Engines
• Measurements and mechanical principles
• Load, Force, Pressure, Atmospheric Pressure
• Gravity, Centre of Gravity, Specific Gravity
• Density, Volumetric Efficiency, Vacuum, Work, Power, Energy
• Bore, Piston Motion, Piston Displacement
• Compression Ratio
• Converting Imperial Measurements to Metric
• Understanding a Petrol Engine
• Engine Operating Cycle
• The Transmission System Stages in 4 Stroke Spark Ignition Engine Cycle
• Stages in 2 stroke spark ignition Engine Cycle
• Engine Efficiency
• Understanding Electricity
• Circuits
• Measuring Electricity; current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s Law
• Power
• Electricity Supply; batteries, mains power, generators, solar cells
• Electricity and Engines
• Electric Motors

2. Hydraulics

• What is Hydraulics
• Simple Hydraulic System
• Pumps
• Tractors
• Hydraulic Tappings
• System Valves
• 3 point linkage on tractors
• Pressure
• Measuring Pressure
• Pressure Head
• Friction Loss
• Calculating Friction Loss
• Calculating Discharge or Flow
• Velocity
• Water Hammer
• Submersible Pumps
• Irrigation
• Measuring Water available to plants
• Irrigation Calculations

3.  Machinery Components

• Parts of an Engine
• Lubrication System
• Cooling System
• Fuel System
• Ignition System
• Transmission System
• Examples of Mechanisation; potting machines, planters and drills, harvesters, graders, mowers

4.  Hand Tools

• Lifting objects manually
• Scope of tools and equipment
• Secateurs
• Hand Saws
• Rakes
• Spades and Shovels
• Forks
• Aerating Equipment
• Rollers
• Hoes
• Wheelbarrows
• Sprayers

5.  Power Tools

• Types of tools
• Drills
• Grinders
• Power Saws
• Compressors
• Hedge Trimmers
• Chain Saws
• Brush Cutters
• Mowers
• Mulchers
• Rotary Hoes
• Tool Safety
• Tool Maintenance

6. Tractors

• Choosing a tractor
• Choosing implements and attachments
• Mini Tractors
• Tractor Parts
• Clutch
• Transmission
• Tractor safety
• Tractor operation
• Tractor Engine
• Fault Finding
• Common Operating faults

7.  Equipment Maintenance

• Cleaning and Sharpening tools
• Secateurs and branch cutting tools
• Shovels and spades
• Saws and Chainsaws
• Rust protection
• Maintaining timber handles
• Plastic handles
• Storage
• Maintenance Procedures and Schedules
• Training Equipment Operators
• Rules for Operators
• Engine Oil Additives

8.  Specific Workplace Requirements

• Machinery Specifications
• Application for an Industry Sector

Learning Goals: Engineering I – Machinery & Equipment – Learn the Basics BSC105

• To explain the operation of different types of motors, including petrol and electric engines.
• To explain the principles of hydraulics in relation to agricultural and horticultural use.
• To explain the operation of the main components of machinery commonly used in agriculture and horticulture including cooling, lubrication, fuel distribution, ignition and transmission systems.
• To explain the safe and effective operation of different hand tools commonly used in agriculture or horticulture.
• To determine the safe and appropriate operation of power tools in horticultural and agricultural situations.
• To explain the safe and appropriate operation of a tractor in horticultural and agricultural situations.
• Explain the maintenance procedures for different equipment commonly used in agriculture and horticulture, including hand tools, power tools and tractors.
• To determine appropriate equipment for minimum work requirements in an agricultural or horticultural workplace.
• An introductory subject which aims to develop an ability to manage the selection, operation and maintenance of tools and machinery, with particular reference to agriculture and horticulture. Learn the use and operation of tools, equipment and machines.

UNDERSTANDING THE PETROL ENGINE

Most machines used on a farm or in a horticultural enterprise will be driven by either 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines. Both engines are different types of internal combustion engine. Each of the two types of engine has certain advantages and disadvantages.

They both run by a series of controlled explosions occurring in an “internal” (enclosed) chamber or combustion chamber. The size of the equipment to be powered will dictate whether you use a two stroke or four stoke engine.

Equipment size will also dictate how many cylinders are required. Two stroke petrol engines are used to power smaller equipment like chain saws and small horticultural equipment. Four stoke engines are used for larger equipment. They may have one or more cylinders depending on the power required.

When an explosion occurs, it causes movement in parts of the engine. That movement is translated to a shaft which is caused to turn. As the shaft turns (rotates) it can cause something else to turn that does certain work (e.g. turning the wheels of a tractor, the blades of a mower or the parts of a hydraulic pump).

The four-stroke engine has one power stroke in every four stokes, and the two stroke has one power stroke in every two strokes. This is explained in more detail later in this lesson.

A four stroke is obviously more powerful, but also more expensive and more complex. In a two-stroke engine, the intake, exhaust, power and compression strokes of the engine occur in one rotation of the crankshaft.

With a four-stroke engine there is more time between this series of events with the crankshaft making two complete rotations for the four stages of one stroke to happen. Two-stroke engines have the advantage over 4-stroke engines by being lighter.

They can be used at angles and upside down as there is no oil in the crankcase. A two stroke is however less efficient than 4-stroke engines and requires lubricating oil to be mixed in with the fuel and tends to run less evenly.

Two stroke engines usually run at higher speeds than four stroke engines. Four stroke engines have intake and exhaust valves, two stroke engines have intake and exhaust ports.

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Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

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Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

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A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
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A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

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Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
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Q. Practical work – How is this done?
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