Farm Power, Tractor & Engine

Study of sources of farm power –conventional & non-conventional energy sources. Energy requirement for crop production. Energy equivalents for direct and indirect source of energy. IC engines. Review of thermodynamic principles of IC (CI & SI) engines and deviation from ideal cycle. Study of mechanical, thermal and volumetric efficiencies. Study of engine components their construction, operating principles and functions. Study of engine strokes and comparison of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine cycles and CI and SI engines. Study of Engine Valve systems, valve mechanism, Valve timing diagram, and valve clearance adjustment. Study of Cam profile, valve lift and valve opening area.

Study of types of air cleaners and performance characteristics of various air cleaners. Study of fuel supply system. Study of fuels, properties of fuels, calculation of air-fuel ratio. Study of tests on fuel for IC engines. Study of detonation and knocking in IC engines. Study of carburetion system, carburetors and their main functional components. Study of fuel injection system – Injection pump, their types, working principles. Fuel injector nozzles – their types.

Engine governing – need of governors, governor types and governor characteristics. Study of ignition system of SI and CI engines. Study of electrical system including battery, starting motor, battery charging, cut-out, etc. Comparison of dynamo and alternator. Engine cooling system – need, cooling methods and main functional components. Study of need and type of thermostat valves. Additives in the coolant. Study of radiator efficiency. Study of lubrication system: need, types, functional components. Study of lubricants: physical properties, additives and their application. Familiarization with the basics of engine testing with reference to BIS code.

Introduction about tractor: History Classification of tractors, Study of power transmission system: clutch, gear box, differential unit and final drive mechanism. Familiarization with Steering System: Ackerman and hydraulic steering, Brake mechanism, Hydraulic control system and Hitching. Tractor power outlets: PTO, belt, pulley, drawbar, etc.

Traction, Weight Transfer and Ballasting, Tractor chassis mechanism, methods of centre of gravity determination and design for tractor stability. Ergonomic considerations and operational safety: seat, noise and vibration. Introduction of tractor testing: Steering, Drawbar and Brake.