Engineering I - Machinery & Equipment

Study machines and tools online – how they are built, what they do, servicing and applications in horticulture and agriculture. Study power tools & equipment, tractors, lawn mowers.

Course Code: BSC105
Fee Code: S2
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 0 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Improve Productivity and Efficiency through Better Use of Machinery and Equipment

Land management has been revolutionized over the past century through the development and application of a wide range of new machines and tools.

  • Farms, parks, gardens, wilderness parks, golf courses, sports fields and other properties  are managed better and with far fewer staff than in the past.
  • Learn how machines and tools work, what they can do and explore the ways in which they are applied in horticulture, agriculture, and other industries today.
  • Understand what makes an engine work.
  • Understand how machines and tools need to be maintained to keep them working properly.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

  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

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Explain the operation of different types of motors, including petrol and electric engines.
  • Explain the principles of hydraulics in relation to agricultural and horticultural use.
  • Explain the operation of the main components of machinery commonly used in agriculture and horticulture including cooling, lubrication, fuel distribution, ignition and transmission systems.
  • Explain the safe and effective operation of different hand tools commonly used in agriculture or horticulture.
  • Determine the safe and appropriate operation of power tools in horticultural and agricultural situations.
  • 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.
  • Determine appropriate equipment for minimum work requirements in an agricultural or horticultural workplace.

Good Tools and Machines allow us to do Work Easier, more Efficiently, Faster, and often Better.

This course focuses on the tools and machines that are used in horticulture, gardening and farming.

Learn to understand movement, mechanics and materials; and you will have an all important foundation for using tools and machinery.

Machines are powered by engines. Engines can need a variety of systems to support their operation, including: Cooling systems to stop the engine from overheating; lubrication Systems to prevent wear and tear on moving parts (reduce friction between parts and allow movement with less energy loss); ignition systems provide a spark of electricity to ignite petrol; and transmission systems transmit power/movement from the point of production to the point of use (e.g. Wheels of a tractor). Machinery can be broken down into individual components as a way of better understanding the machine and its operation.; for example:\

The operating principles of an internal‑combustion engine were studied earlier. An engine cannot function continuously though without additional systems. These systems commonly include:

  • The Lubrication System
  • The Cooling System
  • The Fuel System
  • The Ignition System
  • The Transmission System.

Why Study This?

Everyone uses machines and tools today. When you understand how a machine works you will be better placed to fix problems when they occur, and treat your equipment in a way that avoids those problems ever happening.
For a gardener or farmer; this can help you to minimize costly delays in your work program. Even someone who doesn't even work on the land can save a lot of time and money if they understand the basics of tool and machine maintenance and operation. When you understand differences between different lawn mowers, knives, spades, or any other equipment; you will be able to make better decisions about what to buy, how to use equipment, and how to keep it in good condition.

 

Who May Benefit from this Course?

  • Farmers, Landscapers, Gardeners, Land Managers
  • Machinery or Tool Suppliers/ Sales Staff
  • Handymen (amateur or tradesmen)
  • Students of agriculture, horticulture, or environmental management
  • Businessmen, Entrepreneurs and Inventors with an interest in mechanics, materials technology
  • Anyone else with an interest or passion for the subject


ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

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We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Melissa Leistra

Melissa has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition from Deakin University and Bachelor's degree specialising in personal development, health and physical education. She has enjoyed teaching Hospitality in the areas of commercial cookery and food and beverage. Her experience includes 16 years teaching health and nutrition and working in the hospitality industry. Melissa enjoys living a self-sustainable lifestyle on a farm and raising all types of animals. She is an experienced vegetarian/vegan cook and loves to create wholesome food using her slow combustion wood stove.

Jan Kelly

Jan has around 50 years experience in horticulture, including over 20 years as owner/manager of a wholesale / retail nursery. She has worked in both Australia and New Guinea, in many different capacities, including as a horticultural consultant and landscape designer for domestic and development projects, with considerable experience in Conservation & Land Management. Jan has been a trainer of Amenity Horticulture and Landscape Design for 10 years.

Timothy Walker

Timothy is a Botanist, Horticulturist and Gardener. He is an Author, and also a lecturer at Somerville College, Oxford. After training at a number of gardens including Windsor Great Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Timothy commenced work at Oxford Botanic Gardens in 1986. Appointed as "Horti Praefectus" (Superintendent/Director) there in 1988, he held that position until 2014. Under Timothy's watch, the garden won four gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, and developed 67 acres of MG5 wild flower meadow at the Harcourt Arboretum; a UK threatened habitat. Timothy remains an active practical gardener as well as a highly respected international academic in the fields of horticulture and plant botany.

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