Farm Machinery, Tools and Equipment
What this domain covers
Farm Machinery, Tools and Equipment tests selection, matching, calibration, maintenance and safe operation of farm equipment. Haryana farms use tractors, seed drills, rotavators, laser levellers, combine harvesters and sprayers; the exam often asks why an implement suits a particular tractor or job.
Core rules and concepts
- Match implement size to tractor power and soil conditions. A rotavator that is too wide for the tractor causes clutch and tyre slip; too narrow wastes fuel.
- A seed drill must be calibrated for seed rate and adjusted for depth. Check row spacing and ensure all tubes are delivering seed.
- A laser leveller reduces field slope, saves irrigation water and improves uniformity. It is most useful before sowing, not after crop establishment.
- A combine harvester needs correct concave clearance, drum speed and fan speed for the crop; incorrect settings cause grain breakage or high losses.
- Sprayer calibration: output per hectare depends on nozzle flow, number of nozzles, boom width and travel speed. Clean nozzles and replace worn ones.
- PTO shafts must have guards. Stop the engine before clearing a jam; never wear loose clothing near moving parts.
Worked example
A boom sprayer has 12 nozzles, each delivering 0.8 L/min, a 6 m boom and a travel speed of 4 km/h. Total flow = 12 × 0.8 = 9.6 L/min = 576 L/h. Area covered = 4,000 m/h × 6 m = 24,000 m²/h = 2.4 ha/h. Application rate = 576 ÷ 2.4 = 240 L/ha. If the label requires 200 L/ha, adjust speed or nozzle size. This is why calibration is done before filling the tank.
Traps that cost marks
Do not calibrate with water only and then assume the same rate for a thicker formulation without checking. Do not remove PTO guards. Do not operate a combine on a slope without checking levelling.