- Docente: Michele Mattetti
- Credits: 8
- SSD: AGR/09
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Michele Mattetti (Modulo Mod 1) Bruno Franceschetti (Modulo Mod 2)
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo Mod 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo Mod 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Land and Agro-Forestry Technologies (cod. 5831)
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from Feb 18, 2025 to Apr 29, 2025
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from Apr 30, 2025 to May 21, 2025
Learning outcomes
At end of the course, the student will acquire the necessary knowledge on the operation and utilization of agricultural and forestry machinery. In particular, the student will be able to establish agro-forestry mechanization plans, choose machines and their combinations in relation to technological, cultural, structural, environmental and economic constraints.
Course contents
Module 1: Agricultural mechanization (60 h)
Elements of applied mechanics:
- machines
- mechanisms
- elementary joints
- friction
- lubrication
- machine efficiency
- gears
- gear ratio
- bearings
Hydraulic systems:
- machines
- components (tanks, pumps, valves, actuators)
- open and closed loop hydraulic circuits
Tractor:
- classification
- diesel engine
- transmissions
- three-point hitch
- hitch hooks
- PTO
- tractor stability
- traction and innovations
Soil trafficability and workability:
- cone index
- shear strength Coulomb's law
- Atterberg's limits
- in-field shear strength measurement
Soil tillage:
- conventional tillage systems
- minimun tillage
- sod seeding
Forage harvesters and different harvester methods:
- machines for forage cutting
- conditioning
- harvesting
Harvesting machines for cereals:
- combines
- corn harvesters.
Sowing machines:
- mechanics
- pneumatic drills
Field visits: field visits in the didactic centre of Cadriano, field test of the different machines described in the module 1.
Seminars attended by engineers of agricultural machine manufacturers.
Module 2: Agricultural and Forestry Mechanization (20 h)
Introduction to forestry mechanization:
- Mechanization aims
- Factors affecting the development of forestry mechanization
Forestry mechanization, productivity, work system organization:
- Work systems
- Decision-making factors
- Mechanization levels
- Sustainable mechanisation models
Forestry mechanized operations:
- Felling, cutting, lopping, barking
Forestry tractor:
- Skidder
- Forwarder
Forest Operations Equipment:
- Equipment for felling and processing: chainsaw; debarking machine
- Timber handling equipment: skidding winch, forestry trailer, forestry crane, knuckleboom loaders
- Multifunction forestry machines: Feller; Feller buncher; Feller skidder; Processor; Harvester
Equipment for transporting suspended timber:
- Wire rope
- Standing skyline cable system
Other equipment Hedge mowers:
- Timber chipper and shredder
- Short Rotation Forestry harvesters
Elements of ergonomics and safety in machinery forestry use:
- Risks associated with use of machinery and equipment in the forestry work
- Risk assessment, and adaptation of machinery to legal requirements, Legislative Decree no. 81/2008
Readings/Bibliography
Suggested course materials:
- Lecture notes uploaded in virtuale.unibo.it.
- Biondi P., Meccanica agraria. Le macchine agricole. UTET, 1999
- Renius, K. T. Fundamentals of Tractor Design. Springer.
Spinelli R. - Meccanizzazione forestale intermedia; Ed. Edagricole, Bologna
- Hippoliti G., Appunti di Meccanizzazione Forestale, Studio Editoriale Fiorentino, 1997.
- AA.VV. Uso di macchine complementari per la gestione dei boschi e della filiera legno, New Business Media, 2021.
Discretionary course materials:
- Engineering Principles of Agricultural Machines, 2nd ed. St. Joseph, Michigan: ASABE, Copyright American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
- A. VV. Filiera Bosco-Legno-Energia, Elementi di Sicurezza sul Lavoro: Cippatrici, Gru a Cavo e Harvester, Servizio Sanitario della Toscana, 2014 (downloadable from http://www.regione.toscana.it/-/filiera-bosco-legno-energia-elementi-di-sicurezza-sul-lavoro-cippatrici-gru-a-cavo-e-harvester)
Teaching methods
Lectures in class, in soil mechanics laboratory and in computer laboratory.
Assessment methods
The knowledge verification will be performed only through a single oral examination for both modules, which verifies the acquisition of knowledge and skills expected by an oral examination of about 30 minutes without the aid of notes or books.
The oral examination consists of 5 questions, on the different aspects analysed during the course.
The final grade will be the weighted mean of both results.
Students wishing to take the examination in English are allowed.Teaching tools
Instruments and lab material.
Office hours
See the website of Michele Mattetti
See the website of Bruno Franceschetti