MECCANICA AGRARIA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: GIUSEPPE EZIO MANETTOExpected Learning Outcomes
Basic knowledge of agricultural machinery and their main components, as well as their settings and operating techniques, with the aim of increasing effectiveness while simultaneously reducing negative impacts on the environment, on crops, and on operator safety. Knowledge of the criteria for selecting machinery according to the objectives of the intervention to be carried out, in compliance with the constraints imposed by agronomic factors, product hygiene, environmental protection, and operator safety.
With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, at the end of the course the student will acquire:
Knowledge and understanding abilities
Knowledge of the main agricultural machines used in the different crop operations, identifying the models most suitable for specific needs.
Applying knowledge and understanding abilities
Ability to recognise the functionalities of components and of machines as a whole, in order to understand their potential and possible applications.
Making judgements abilities
Ability to compare different solutions and select the one most appropriate for specific requirements.
Communication skills
Ability to correctly use technical terminology in order to interact and engage with specialists. Ability to simplify and clearly explain, also to non‑specialists, the functionalities and distinctive characteristics of individual components, regulation and control systems, safety devices, and machines as integrated systems.
Learning skills
Ability to learn the topics covered through logical‑deductive methods rather than mnemonic approaches.
Course Structure
Lectures (21 hours) supported by slides, and exercises (42 hours) consisting of practical application analyses, seminars, and possible visits to local farms.
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of mathematics and physics (vectors, kinematics, statics, dynamics, thermology, thermodynamics) is important.
Attendance of Lessons
Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.
Detailed Course Content
After a review of the International System of measurement units, elements of applied mechanics to machines will be addressed with reference to machine efficiency, passive resistances, adherence, and systems for motion transmission. An overview of pumps, fans, and endothermic engines of agricultural interest will be provided. Tractors will be discussed, as well as machines for soil cultivation and operating machines for tillage, sowing, fertilization, crop protection, pruning, and harvesting, including their description, adjustment, effects, and impacts on soil, plants, people, and the environment.
Textbook Information
The lecturer provides all the slides used to cover the topics outlined in the program during class, in order to serve as a guide for individual study. Therefore, lecture notes will also be important. Additionally, the following texts are recommended, while students are free to consult any other books related to the topics covered.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodria L., Pellizzi G., Piccarolo P. | Meccanica e meccanizzazione agricola | Edagricole | 2013 | 9788850654130 |
| Lazzari M., Mazzetto F. | Meccanica e meccanizzazione dei processi produttivi agricoli | Reda | 2016 | 9788883612558 |
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course presentation – Review of the International System of measurement units | Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 2 | Definition and classification of the machines – General equation of machines – Efficiency of the machines | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 3 | Passive resistance to external friction (for sliding, rolling, bearing and thrust pins) and relationships – Grip and traction effort | Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 4 | Components (gear wheels, belts and pulleys, couplings and clutches), ordinary and differential gear trains, and mechanisms for motion transmission | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 5 | Endothermic engines with spark ignition (Otto cycle) and compression ignition (Diesel and fast Diesel or Sabathé cycles): strokes and phases, advantages and disadvantages, characteristic curves (power, torque, specific consumption), efficiency, regulation | Book 1 – Lecture notes |
| 6 | Pumps and fans: definition, classification, fields of application, characteristics and operating limits, characteristic curves | Book 1 – Lecture notes |
| 7 | Tractors: definition, classification, description, transmission, devices for connecting implement machines, propulsion and support components, traction, longitudinal and lateral stability, tractor dynamics, hook performance, risks for operators and the environment – Motor-hoes and walking tractors | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 8 | Machines for extraordinary land cultivation work: bulldozers and angledozers, trenchers, stone pickers, drainage machines, subsoilers, graders | Book 1 – Lecture notes |
| 9 | Soil tillage machines | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 10 | Seeding and transplanting machines | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 11 | Fertilizer distribution machines | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 12 | Crop protection machines: classification, description, operation, regulation, risks for operators and the environment | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 13 | Pruning machines – Shredding machines for: shrubs, stalks, branches, vine shoots, grasses | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 14 | Harvesting machines | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
| 15 | Sizing of the tractor-implement coupling – Overview of machine performance in the field | Book 1 – Book 2 – Lecture notes |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral examination covering the entire program.
The evaluation will take into account the relevance and quality of the answers provided, as well as the use of appropriate technical language, the ability to reason, and the capacity to connect the transversal knowledge acquired throughout the various parts of the program.
In detail, the following criteria will be applied:
Not acceptable
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Substantial shortcomings and inaccuracies..
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant with frequent generalizations Inability to summarise.
Use of references: Completely inappropriate.
18-20
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Very modest with evident imperfections.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Barely adequate.
Use of references: Just appropriate.
21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: Use of standard references.
24-26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Good analytical and synthesis abilities. Arguments expressed coherently.
Use of references: Use of standard references.
27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: He/She has examined the topics in depth.
30-30L
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge.
Ability to analyze and synthesize: Excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: Significant in‑depth insights.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).
Exam dates can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the following link: https://www.di3a.unict.it/courses/l-25/exams-calendar.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- General equation of machines
- Efficiency of machines in series or parallel
- Friction and grip: causes and influencing factors
- Traction effort
- Gear trains and gearboxes: transmission ratio, definition of ordinary gear train, and examples
- Differential: description and function
- Motion transmission with flexible elements: transmission ratio, application limits, advantages, and disadvantages
- Couplings and clutches: differences, types, and application limits
- Cardan shaft: description, homocinecity conditions, safety aspects
- Push crank mechanism: description, function, applications
- Endothermic engines (2-stroke and 4-stroke): cycles, differences, efficiency, supercharging
- Positive displacement and fluid dynamic pumps: types, description, applications, and limits
- Fans: types, description, applications, and limits
- Tractors: classification and description
- Transmission in tractors
- Tractor-implement coupling: description of coupling methods, calculation methods for choosing the tractor based on the implement or vice versa
- Machines for extraordinary land cultivation work: description, functions, effects on the soil, and operator safety
- Machines for ordinary soil tillage: description, functions, adjustment, effects on the soil, and operator safety
- Sowing machines: description, adjustment, effects on the soil, and operator safety
- Crop care machines: description, adjustment, and effects on operator safety
- Harvesting machines: description, adjustment, and effects on operator safety
- Identification of a machine from a photo