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Agriculture MechanicsBy David p AndrewsExploring careers in Agricultural mechanicsExploring careers in Agricultural mechanics1 section1 sectionunit 1 mechanics in the world of agricultureunit 1 mechanics in the world of agricultureunit 2 career options in agriculture mechanicsunit 2 career options in agriculture mechanicsdelmarlearning/samplechapters/dl_display_sampchap.aspx?isbn=0766delmarlearning/samplechapters/dl_display_sampchap.aspx?isbn=0766814106&cid=3814106&cid=3U N I T 1U N I T 1Mechanics in the WorldMechanics in the Worldof Agricultureof AgricultureTERMS TOTERMS TOKNOWKNOWagricultureagricultureagriscienceagriscienceagribusinessagribusinessrenewable naturalrenewable naturalresourcesresourcesoccupational clusteroccupational clusteroccupationoccupationbusinessbusinessprofitprofitemploymentemploymenttradetrademechanicalmechanicalmechanicmechanictechniciantechnicianmechanicsmechanicsagriculturalagriculturalmechanicsmechanicsefficiencyefficiencyOBJECTIVEOBJECTIVETo determine how mechanical skills,concepts,To determine how mechanical skills,concepts,and principles areand principles areused in agriculture and related occupations.used in agriculture and related occupations.Competencies to be developedCompetencies to be developedAfter studying this unit,you should be able to:After studying this unit,you should be able to:Define agriculture and agricultural Define agriculture and agriculturalmechanics.mechanics.Define occupation and describe an occupationalDefine occupation and describe an occupationalcluster.cluster.Describe the role of mechanics and Describe the role of mechanics andmechanical applications in society.mechanical applications in society.Demonstrate knowledge of contributions Demonstrate knowledge of contributionsmade by mechanical application to themade by mechanical application to thedevelopment of agriculture.development of agriculture.Name eight inventors of important agricultural Name eight inventors of important agriculturalmachines.machines.Materials ListMaterials List Pencil Pencil Paper Paper Encyclopedias Encyclopedias 4 SECTION 1 Exploring Careers in Agricultural Mechanics4 SECTION 1 Exploring Careers in Agricultural Mechanics Historically,the word agriculture meant to farmHistorically,the word agriculture meant to farm or to grow plants or animals.Today,agricultureor to grow plants or animals.Today,agriculture may be defined as those activities concerned withmay be defined as those activities concerned with plants and animals and the related supplies,services,plants and animals and the related supplies,services,mechanics,products,processing,and marketingmechanics,products,processing,and marketing related to plants,animals,and the environment.Therelated to plants,animals,and the environment.The term AgriScience evolved during the current decadeterm AgriScience evolved during the current decade to clearly denote that agriculture is a science.Actually,to clearly denote that agriculture is a science.Actually,modern agriculture covers so many activities thatmodern agriculture covers so many activities that a simple definition is not possible.The United Statesa simple definition is not possible.The United States Department of Education developed the phraseDepartment of Education developed the phrase“agriculture/agribusiness and renewable natural“agriculture/agribusiness and renewable natural resources”to refer to the broad range of activitiesresources”to refer to the broad range of activities associated with agriculture.Agribusiness refers toassociated with agriculture.Agribusiness refers to the network of commercial firms that have developedthe network of commercial firms that have developed with or stem out of agriculture.with or stem out of agriculture.Renewable natural resources are theRenewable natural resources are the resources provided by nature that can replace orresources provided by nature that can replace or renew themselves.Examples of such resources arerenew themselves.Examples of such resources are wildlife,trees,and fish as well as their natural wildlife,trees,and fish as well as their natural surroundings.surroundings.Some occupations in renewable naturalSome occupations in renewable natural resources are game trapper,forester,and waterman.Aresources are game trapper,forester,and waterman.A waterman uses boats and specialized equipment towaterman uses boats and specialized equipment to harvest fish,oysters,and other seafood.harvest fish,oysters,and other seafood.All jobs and types of work in the field of agriculture/All jobs and types of work in the field of agriculture/agribusiness and renewable natural resourcesagribusiness and renewable natural resources make up an occupational cluster.An occupationalmake up an occupational cluster.An occupational cluster is a group of related jobs.There are manycluster is a group of related jobs.There are many occupations that are related to agriculture as illustratedoccupations that are related to agriculture as illustrated in figure 11.Agricultural mechanics is onlyin figure 11.Agricultural mechanics is only one of the many careers that fall under the broadone of the many careers that fall under the broad term of agriculture.term of agriculture.Agriculture depends on many nonfarm workersAgriculture depends on many nonfarm workers for goods and services.For every farm worker in thefor goods and services.For every farm worker in the United States,there are said to be four workers inUnited States,there are said to be four workers in nonfarm agricultural jobs,figure 12.Nonfarm nonfarm agricultural jobs,figure 12.Nonfarm agriculturistsagriculturists provide machinery,equipment,fertilizer,provide machinery,equipment,fertilizer,feed,seed,money,research,and government services.feed,seed,money,research,and government services.Similarly,marketing,transporting,processing,Similarly,marketing,transporting,processing,and distributing farm products are done by nonfarmand distributing farm products are done by nonfarm agriculturalists.This network of nonfarm agriculturalagriculturalists.This network of nonfarm agricultural workers helps the average U.S.farmer feed aboutworkers helps the average U.S.farmer feed about 128 people per year,figure 13.On the most productive128 people per year,figure 13.On the most productive and efficient farms,however,one farmer mayand efficient farms,however,one farmer may produce enough to feed more than 200 people.produce enough to feed more than 200 people.The term occupation means business,employment,The term occupation means business,employment,or trade.It is the work a person does regularlyor trade.It is the work a person does regularly to earn a living.Business generally refers to workto earn a living.Business generally refers to work done for profit.Profit refers to income made fromdone for profit.Profit refers to income made from the sale of goods or services after expenses have beenthe sale of goods or services after expenses have been taken out.An example of profit is the income madetaken out.An example of profit is the income made by a local machinery dealer or a local garden centerby a local machinery dealer or a local garden center minus expenses.minus expenses.Employment means work done for pay.Employment means work done for pay.Employees are paid by the hour,day,week,month,Employees are paid by the hour,day,week,month,or year.A small-engines mechanic employed at theor year.A small-engines mechanic employed at the local machinery dealer is probably paid by the hour,local machinery dealer is probably paid by the hour,but the sales manager is probably paid an annualbut the sales manager is probably paid an annual salary with bonuses based on sales volume.salary with bonuses based on sales volume.Trade Trade refers to specific kinds of work or businesses,refers to specific kinds of work or businesses,especially those that require skilled mechanicalespecially those that require skilled mechanical work.work.Mechanical Mechanical means having to do with ameans having to do with a machine,mechanism,or machinery.A person who ismachine,mechanism,or machinery.A person who is specifically trained to perform mechanical tasks is aspecifically trained to perform mechanical tasks is a mechanic.mechanic.A mechanic who uses high technology isA mechanic who uses high technology is generally called a generally called a technician.technician.The mechanic mustThe mechanic must be skilled in the use of tools and machines.Thebe skilled in the use of tools and machines.The mechanic must also be able to select appropriatemechanic must also be able to select appropriate materials,use a variety of processes,and analyzematerials,use a variety of processes,and analyze problems.The term problems.The term mechanics mechanics is defined as theis defined as the branch of physics dealing with motion,and thebranch of physics dealing with motion,and the action of forces on bodies or fluids.action of forces on bodies or fluids.The term The term agricultural mechanics agricultural mechanics is the selection,is the selection,operation,maintenance,servicing,selling,andoperation,maintenance,servicing,selling,and use of power units,machinery,equipment,structures,use of power units,machinery,equipment,structures,and utilities used in agriculture.Hundreds ofand utilities used in agriculture.Hundreds of different jobs are available in agricultural mechanics.different jobs are available in agricultural mechanics.A total of 99 out of 305 occupational entries in A total of 99 out of 305 occupational entries in A A Concise Handbook of Occupations Concise Handbook of Occupations are mechanical inare mechanical in nature.nature.AGRICULTUREA BASICAGRICULTUREA BASIC INDUSTRYINDUSTRY Agriculture is a very complex industry.The industryAgriculture is a very complex industry.The industry produces plant and animal products fromproduces plant and animal products from which thousands of commodities are made.Sincewhich thousands of commodities are made.Since every person and many industries depend uponevery person and many industries depend upon agriculture,it is said to be a basic industry.Someagriculture,it is said to be a basic industry.Some products of agriculture are food,oils,fiber,lumber,products of agriculture are food,oils,fiber,lumber,ornamental trees and shrubs,flowers,leather,fertilizers,ornamental trees and shrubs,flowers,leather,fertilizers,feed,seed,and more.Basic agriculturalfeed,seed,and more.Basic agricultural products form the raw materials for many items ofproducts form the raw materials for many items of everyday living.everyday living.Fabrics for clothing,curtains,and floor coveringsFabrics for clothing,curtains,and floor coverings are made from oils such as corn oil,soybean oil,andare made from oils such as corn oil,soybean oil,and cottonseed oil.Plastics of all kinds are also madecottonseed oil.Plastics of all kinds are also made from vegetable oils.Products from animals are usedfrom vegetable oils.Products from animals are used to make materials such as glue,leather,and paint.to make materials such as glue,leather,and paint.Many medicines come from plants and animals.TheMany medicines come from plants and animals.The manufacture of automobiles,furniture,airplanes,manufacture of automobiles,furniture,airplanes,radios,stereos,and computers all depends on agricultureradios,stereos,and computers all depends on agriculture for certain raw materials.The construction offor certain raw materials.The construction of homes,boats,and factories all depends on agriculturehomes,boats,and factories all depends on agriculture for lumber,fiber,and other basic commodities.for lumber,fiber,and other basic commodities.Most dwellings in America are surrounded by lawn,Most dwellings in America are surrounded by lawn,shrubs,or other plants for beautification.These areshrubs,or other plants for beautification.These are also agricultural commodities.also agricultural commodities.Agriculture is,indeed,a basic industry uponAgriculture is,indeed,a basic industry upon which all people depend.It is the backbone of thewhich all people depend.It is the backbone of the American society.American society.THE ROLE OFTHE ROLE OFAGRICULTURALAGRICULTURALMECHANICSMECHANICSMechanical applications are found throughoutMechanical applications are found throughoutagriculture.Some of these applications are agriculture.Some of these applications are shown inshown infigures 14 through 18.A few examples of jobsfigures 14 through 18.A few examples of jobsinvolving agricultural mechanics are:involving agricultural mechanics are:the engineer who designs tractors and other the engineer who designs tractors and otherfarm and ranch machinesfarm and ranch machines the forester who keeps chainsaws and other the forester who keeps chainsaws and otherequipment goingequipment going the builder of processing plants,farm the builder of processing plants,farm buildings,buildings,and aquaculture facilitiesand aquaculture facilities the electrician who installs climate controls,the electrician who installs climate controls,silo unlades,and milling equipmentsilo unlades,and milling equipment the soil conservationist who constructs terraces the soil conservationist who constructs terracesto control erosionto control erosion the hardware store employee who must locate the hardware store employee who must locaterepair parts for agricultural tools and machinesrepair parts for agricultural tools and machines the air conditioning and refrigeration specialist the air conditioning and refrigeration specialistin processing and storage facilitiesin processing and storage facilities the designer and installer of field,turf,the designer and installer of field,turf,landscape,landscape,the lawn equipment service mechanic who the lawn equipment service mechanic who repairs lawn tractorsrepairs lawn tractors the welder who repairs farm machinery the welder who repairs farm machinery the mechanic who keeps the diesel trucks and the mechanic who keeps the diesel trucks and machines going.machines going.Processing plants for field crops,livestock,poultry,Processing plants for field crops,livestock,poultry,fruits,and vegetables all have machinery.Suchfruits,and vegetables all have machinery.Such machinery requires designers,engineers,operators,machinery requires designers,engineers,operators,maintenance and repair personnel,and constructionmaintenance and repair personnel,and construction workers.Even people with jobs in finance,publications,workers.Even people with jobs in finance,publications,and communications may need some knowledgeand communications may need some knowledge of mechanics when their assignments deal withof mechanics when their assignments deal with agriculture.All are likely to use computers and computeragriculture.All are likely to use computers and computer applications in their work.applications in their work.THE INFLUENCE THE INFLUENCE OF MECHANIZATIONOF MECHANIZATION At the birth of the United States in 1776,over 90 percentAt the birth of the United States in 1776,over 90 percent of the American colonists were farmers,yetof the American colonists were farmers,yet many of General Washingtons troops at Valley Forgemany of General Washingtons troops at Valley Forge died for lack of food and clothing.Today,less thandied for lack of food and clothing.Today,less than 10 percent of all Americans work in agriculture,yet10 percent of all Americans work in agriculture,yet there are generally food surpluses in America.Thethere are generally food surpluses in America.The ratio of farm workers to nonfarm people in Americaratio of farm workers to nonfarm people in America approximately reversed itself in 200 years.In 1776,approximately reversed itself in 200 years.In 1776,the farm-to-nonfarm ratio was approximately 9 to 1.the farm-to-nonfarm ratio was approximately 9 to 1.Today,the ratio of agricultural workers to theToday,the ratio of agricultural workers to the remaining population is approximately 1 to 9.Mechanizationremaining population is approximately 1 to 9.Mechanization has played a major role in this rise in productionhas played a major role in this rise in production efficiency.Efficiency means ability to produceefficiency.Efficiency means ability to produce with a minimum waste of time,energy,andwith a minimum waste of time,energy,and materials.materials.America provided the inventors for many of theAmerica provided the inventors for many of the worlds most important agricultural machines.Cyrusworlds most important agricultural machines.Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper in 1834 to cut smallMcCormick invented the reaper in 1834 to cut small grain crops.Later,the combine was invented,whichgrain crops.Later,the combine was invented,which cut and threshed the grain in the field.Today,onecut and threshed the grain in the field.Today,one modern combine operator can cut and thresh asmodern combine operator can cut and thresh as much grain in one day as 100 persons could cut andmuch grain in one day as 100 persons could cut and bundle in one day in the 1830s.bundle in one day in the 1830s.Two inventions had a profound influence on theTwo inventions had a profound influence on the settling of this country.The first was by a mansettling of this country.The first was by a man named John Deere who developed a steel plow thatnamed John Deere who developed a steel plow that replaced an iron plow invented by Thomas Jefferson.replaced an iron plow invented by Thomas Jefferson.The plow invented by Deere in 1837 allowed farmersThe plow invented by Deere in 1837 allowed farmers to break up the tough sod that previously had preventedto break up the tough sod that previously had prevented pioneers from cultivating the rich prairiepioneers from cultivating the rich prairie soils.This allowed settlers to inhabit all of the Midwestsoils.This allowed settlers to inhabit all of the Midwest and Plains region where so much of our food isand Plains region where so much of our food is grown today.grown today.The other invention that affected settlementThe other invention that affected settlement was by Eli Whitney who developed a machine,was by Eli Whitney who developed a machine,called a gin,to remove seeds from cotton.Prior tocalled a gin,to remove seeds from cotton.Prior to his invention in 1793,seeds were removed from cottonhis invention in 1793,seeds were removed from cotton by hand.The seeds were easily separated fromby hand.The seeds were easily separated from the cotton,but it was still time consuming.Anotherthe cotton,but it was still time consuming.Another problem was the type of cotton grown.Cottonproblem was the type of cotton grown.Cotton with loose seeds was the Sea Island or long-staplewith loose seeds was the Sea Island or long-staple variety that would only grow along the coast ofvariety that would only grow along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas.Upland cotton wouldGeorgia and the Carolinas.Upland cotton would grow anywhere in the South,but the seeds of thisgrow anywhere in the South,but the seeds of this type were almost impossible to separate by hand.type were almost impossible to separate by hand.Whitneys gin not only saved labor,but opened upWhitneys gin not only saved labor,but opened up the entire southern portion of the nation for cultivationthe entire southern portion of the nation for cultivation of upland cotton.of upland cotton.In 1850,Edmund W.Quincy invented theIn 1850,Edmund W.Quincy invented the mechanical corn picker.Joseph Gliddens developmentmechanical corn picker.Joseph Gliddens development of barbed wire permitted establishment ofof barbed wire permitted establishment of ranches with definite boundaries.ranches with definite boundaries.The internal combustion engine made machinesThe internal combustion engine made machines tremendously more efficient.Relatively lightweight,tremendously more efficient.Relatively lightweight,powerful engines revolutionized the production ofpowerful engines revo
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