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JoshuaGA
03-18-2008 17:44:26
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Re: Equipment Help in reply to paul, 03-17-2008 06:25:59
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| Student said: (quoted from post at 19:31:23 03/18/08) I really appreciate everyone's input. For the paper, i have to keep the topic broad so im not allowed to specify one certain model of equipment. I would really like to focus on the differences between the 1950s and now for the question about how does farm machinery differ. Obviously the speed and technology have increased but i also want to know about engine size, production means, production costs, and parts involved. I don't know if there are parts now that used to not be used or vice versa or anything like that but that would all be helpful. |
Well, the secret, if you want to call it that, to the differences in cropping in the 50's vs. now is chemicals. Conservation till never would have came about without chemicals. Most people hardly ever use a plow anymore except to reclaim land or build and repair terraces. Most all of our tillage now is done by machinery that allows the residue to stay on top of the ground. Examples are field cultivators and chisel plows. We run coulters now on planters to loosen and prep the dirt around the seed. You hardly ever see row crop cultivators anymore (well, you see more now with resistance weeds), but the ones you do see are built using one large sweep instead of multiple sweeps to preserve residue. Chemicals usually provide good weed control along with controlling insects and fungus diseases. The way we harvest has changed too. Now we use rotor technology to harvest crops vs. the old cylinder and walker combination.
As far as the equipment itself, lets first look at average farm size. in 1950, it was around 160 acres, wheras now, it is around 600 acres. In 1950, 30 to 35 horse gas tractors was the norm. Now, 150 hors diesel tractors are the norm. Really, the biggest gain in horsepower was during the 60's, when we went from a 50-60 horsepower average to 100+ horsepower average tractors. Greatest advance in my opinion is the cabs. To be out of the weather and dust and etc. is a luxury, and sometimes a necessity. We ride those tractors continously 6-10 hours or more a day, it becomes even more critical to feel good when you climb out of that cab at the end of the day. The tractor is also all computerized now. Electronic fuel injection, automatic shifting transmissions, electronic three point hitch, etc. etc.
There. My thoughts. Take them at face value.
JoshuaGA
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