Lesson Structure: Engineering I – 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

General

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A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
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A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

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A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
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Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

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.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
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

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.