Agriculture implements are a type of farming equipment used to cultivate, plant and harvest crops. They are essential for the successful running of commercial and small-scale farms. In general, they can be divided into three main groups: hand tools, machines and mechanical equipment. Hand tools, such as spades and hoes, are used to cultivate, till and prepare soil before planting. Machines and mechanical implements, including tractors, medium- and large-scale harvesters, seeders and sprayers, are necessary for planting and harvesting large quantities of crops.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are the most common and versatile forms of agriculture implements. They include basic tools such as spades, hoes and rakes, as well as specialized tools for specific tasks such as dibbling, weeding, seeding, and cutting. Hand tools are usually used to cultivate, till and prepare the soil before planting. They can also be used for minor maintenance work around the farm.
Machines
Machines are the larger or motorized implements used in agriculture. They are typically powered by tractor engines, and can be used for a variety of tasks such as planting, harvesting and even transporting goods. Common types of machines include tractors, combines, seeders, sprayers and threshers.
Mechanical Equipment
Mechanical equipment, including conveyors, augers, grinders and plows, are used to facilitate and automate operations such as transferring crops, soil preparation and tilling, and seedbed preparation. The most common type of mechanical equipment is the harvester, which is used to harvest crops from the fields.
Digital Equipment
Digital technology is increasingly being used in agriculture, with the rapid development of GPS- and GIS-enabled farm equipment. This equipment allows farmers to create precise maps of their fields and farms, essentially allowing for precision farming. These technologies also allow for unmanned vehicles, such as drones and automated tractors, to be used in farming operations.
Robotic Equipment
Robotic equipment is increasingly being used in agricultural operations, primarily in the form of automated harvesting machines. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras, which help them identify and harvest crops with minimal human intervention. For example, some robots use laser light to identify ripe crops and then pick them with intricate tools.
Livestock Equipment
Livestock equipment are devices used to care for and manage animals. These can range from basic tools such as cattle prods and shearers, to complex systems such as automated milking machines and livestock monitoring systems. They can help farmers make sure that their animals are well cared for, while also increasing efficiency.
Irrigation Equipment
Irrigation equipment is essential for producing healthy crops. These includes water pumps, water tanks, drip systems, sprinklers, and other irrigation systems. These are used to provide essential water to the crops in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
