Other Simple Farm Machines

Topic Content:

Planters:

Description:

It has a large container or hopper. It has a ratchet and an agitator inside the container. Also, present are spaced coulters or furrow openers in front of the hopper.

There are two long handles for the operator. The whole equipment is mounted on two wheels.

Functions/Uses:

It is designed primarily to plant seeds of crops such as Cotton, Maize, Rice, Guinea corn, and Beans.

Types of Planters:

• Broadcast Crop Planter: This is designed to plant seeds by random scattering of seeds about the field.
• Row Crop Planter: This is designed to plant along the rows in a ridge.
• Precision Planters: This is designed to place the correct number of seeds into a hole with regular spacing within and between rows.
• Grain Drill Planters:  This is designed to place the correct number of seeds into the soil and space them between rows but not within rows.

Parts of a Planter and their Functions:

• Handles: Aids the operator to direct the operation.
• Furrow Opener or Hole Digger: Dig holes in front into which the seed(s) drops.
• Seed Hose or Seed Tube: Conducts the seeds from the base of the hopper into the hole