Types of farm powerIntroductionAll farm power operations require a specific amount of energy. The time required will vary according to the size and type of power source used. Power can be supplied by humans, animals, or machines. Explore the information for each of the five power sources given below. 1. Human laborIn some cases, manual labor is more cost-efficient than machines.
Advantages: cost-effective Disadvantages: time consuming, physically taxing 2. Animal powerAnimals are still widely used as a major power source. A pair of animals will take 8-10 days to plow 1 hectare. Advantages: Low maintenance, multi-purpose, self-replacement. Disadvantages: Limited daily working hours, slow, high person/power ratio. 3. Two-wheel tractorTwo-wheel tractors are normally powered by 6-12 kw gasoline or diesel engines and are fitted with either rubber tires or steel cage wheels. A two wheel tractor can plow 1 ha/day. Advantages: Multi-purpose vehicle, best in tough conditions, performs well in both wet and dry conditions, simple to use and operate. Disadvantages: Cost of ownership and operation, could cause fatigue, although ride-on versions are now available. 4. Four-wheel tractorFour-wheel tractors can be divided into 2 categories: two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
5. Track laying tractorUsed mainly for civil work but can be used for tillage. Advantages: Good traction, high power availability at draw bar, lower operating cost. Disadvantages: High maintenance cost, poor maneuverability, high purchase cost.
Prepared by JF Rickman and the Agricultural Engineering Department at IRRI |
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