In the field, the agricultural machine operator is the key to transform the potential of the machines in practical results of yield, efficiency, and safety.
The precision to handle agricultural pieces of equipment is connected to three main factors: operator training, the proper maintenance of the machines and the correct usage of the on-board technologies.
When these paths cross, the farmer reduces operating costs, avoids failures that may jeopardize the harvest and ensure more safety in the operations of the day.
The importance to correctly use the agricultural pieces of equipment
Correctly handling the pieces of equipment and agricultural machines is crucial to ensure three pillars of the farm daily basis: safety, efficiency, and durability.
Safety
An operator that follows the protocols can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, protecting themselves and other workers.
Efficiency
Correct adjustments and the proper usage of on-board technologies improve the operation precision, avoiding the waste of seeds, fertiliser, and chemicals.
Durability
When the pieces of equipment are operated correctly, wear and damages are minimized, resulting in a longer agricultural machine lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Four types of agricultural pieces of equipment and their application
Every step of the agricultural production requires specific machines to ensure efficiency and precision. Getting to know the different types of pieces of equipment and understanding its functions helps the operator to get the most out of the technology available, reduce waste and reach consistent results in the field. See below, three examples:
1. Seeders and planters
The seeder is used for small seed crops, such as wheat, oats, and rice. It places the seeds with uniformity and in straight rows, and applies fertilizer.
The planter is recommended for large seeds, such as soybeans, corn, and cotton. It is proper for crops that require longer spacing, the planter places the seeds individually, ensuring higher precision and singularity. In addition to placing seeds, it can perform other functions, such as fertilizer application and apply inoculant into the soil.
Learn more about the subject: Seeder or planter: what’s the difference? | Stara
2. Spreaders
They apply fertilizers and substances for soil regulation. The agricultural spreader needs precise adjustments so that the input is applied with uniformity. Failure to carry out this process causes product waste and irregular soil fertilization.
3. Sprayers
The sprayers are used to apply agricultural chemicals in order to protect the crop against pests, diseases, and weeds. To ensure the operation efficiency and reduce drift risks, the operator should adjust the boom height and correctly choose the spray nozzles, and adjust the application rate and operation pressure.
4. Agricultural implements
In addition to the machines, plenty of agricultural implements add to the field operation, boosting efficiency and operating yield.
They are engineered for specific functions and need to be correctly coupled and adjusted to reach maximum performance.
At Stara, implements such as the Agricultural Grain Carts stand out, which ease the transport of input and harvests, and the Bravíssima corn head, which is developed to harvest corn, whose project favors the uniform feeding of the harvester, reduce waste, and provides high operating yield.
When the operator understands the purpose of each implement and carries out the proper adjustments, the result is higher precision during application and getting most out of the available inputs.
See more: Bravíssima: a corn head for an efficient harvest | Stara
Hints to safely handle the pieces of equipment
Safety and precision in the field start from the operator. More than being aware of the basic functions of the agricultural machines, it’s necessary to have practices that reduce risks and boost the operation efficiency.
Training and development
A well-prepared operator knows how to interpret the terrain conditions, correctly adjust the machines, and use the agricultural technology resources.
For this reason, investing in development is crucial. Stara provides a skilled and remote technical assistance by means of Conecta, and training programs that help the operator to master each machine function.
Stara Operator’s Portal: constant and free of charge development
In addition to the technical support, Stara provides the Stara Operator’s Portal, a free of charge training platform that teaches in practice how to operate the brand agricultural machines with maximum performance.
Available in web and app versions, the portal comprises short videos and quizzes about the Stara pieces of equipment, and a community where the users can share experiences and have doubts answered.
The initiative reinforces the company commitment in providing technical knowledge to the field to ease the access to information and strengthening the routing of who is operating the machines.
To learn more about the program and register, access the Stara Operator’s Portal.
Inspections prior to operations
Before starting any activity, the operator needs to carry out quick inspections on the equipment. Some points that require attention:
- Condition of the wheelsets or conveyor belts;
- Levels of the oil, fuel, and fluids;
- Adjustment of the implements and electronic adjustments;
- Operation of the safety systems.
To ease the access, technologies such as Topper and the Stara Spreading Application help the operator to set up and monitor the adjustments, ensuring higher precision when applying inputs.
Wearing the PPE equipment
The operator’s safety also depends upon the correct wearing of the PPE equipment. Gloves, glasses, overalls, and an apron are examples of items that reduce the risk of accidents and protect the agricultural operator’s health, especially when they are performing maintenance services and cleaning the machines, and operations that require the handling of the chemical products.
Wearing the seat belt is another important factor. After all, bumpy terrains and operations subjected to vibrations and slopes, the seat belt keeps the operator steady positioned in the seat, preventing them from getting thrown in sudden machine bumps and abrupt brakes.
Ergonomic when using the agricultural machines
Ergonomic is not so commonly remembered in the field, but it directly impacts on the precision and safety when handling agricultural machines.
An operator that works under uncomfortable conditions tends to get tired faster, lose focus, and make mistakes that reduce the operation efficiency.
Simple adjustments, such as the seat height, the position of the commands and the machine cab visibility cooperate to reduce fatigue and boost the performance throughout the operations.
In order to provide more comfort to the operator, wide visibility and easy access, the Stara self-propelled machine cabs feature an innovative design, and remarkable features, such as the ergonomic steering wheel, the pneumatic seat, integrated radio, and a digital air conditioner.
Adding those up, regular stops and the correct actions during the operations are crucial to protect the operator’s health and prevent injuries in a long term.
Preventive and corrective maintenance of the pieces of equipment
Safely and precisely handling depends on the conditions of the agricultural machines. For this reason, the maintenance should be seen as a strategic routine in the field.
The preventive maintenance is carried out in programmed schedules and its objective is to avoid failures before they occur. It includes the following actions:
- Replacement of filters;
- Lubrication of mobile parts;
- Calibration of the electronic systems;
- Inspection of spray nozzles or sowing disks, among others.
These cautions reduce unexpected stops, increase the durability of the pieces of equipment, and make sure they can operate with maximum precision.
See also: Agricultural loan: credit for machines | Stara
How to avoid accidents when using agricultural machines
A routine where each detail of the operation is thought to protect the operator and increase the efficiency of the agricultural machines makes all the difference. Some simple practices for the daily basis can help the operator to avoid accidents during the handling:
- Follow the load and speed limits set to each machine;
- Never start operations without checking basic safety items;
- Stick to standard procedures for settings and adjustments;
Additionally, the on-board system of the auto steering, real-time monitoring, and the remote support help the operator when they face different challenges and contexts.
Conclusion
Correctly handling the agricultural pieces of equipment is one of the factors that most influence in the field safety, precision, and yield.
The role of the agricultural machine operator is beyond driving the machine: they need to be prepared for daily inspections, interpret information of the on-board technology, and apply protocols of safety in all operation steps.
When we add the constant training, preventive maintenance, and the usage of technology resources, the result is higher efficiency, less costs, and more sustainable operations.
Stara believes that the field precision starts with the operator. For this reason, the company provides solutions that connect technology, training, and skilled technical assistance so that each farmer can reach consistent results harvest after harvest.
Frequent asked questions about handling the agricultural pieces of equipment
What inspections should be carried out before using an agricultural machine?
It’s important to check the levels of the oil and fuel, condition of the wheelsets, functioning of the brakes and electronic systems. Also, it’s important to make sure the implements are properly coupled to the tractor and adjusted for the planned operation.
When is it required to wear the PPE equipment?
Gloves, protective glasses, overalls, and an apron are among the PPE used during the machine cleaning and maintenance processes, and when preparing the chemical solution.
How does precision technology influence on the agricultural operation?
The technology instructs the application of inputs, corrects path, and generates data for decision making. Therefore, it can only reach maximum performance when the operator can interpret and correctly apply the information provided by the systems.
Did you like the hints and want to find out the agricultural machine that best suits your crop field?
Stop by a Stara dealer and find the most suitable equipment to boost your crop production. Request a quotation.
