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The Agricultural Equipment and Machinery course (AG_S_TCH 4320), taught by Kent Shannon, an assistant teaching professor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology, teaches students about the selection, sizing and operational principles of tractors and machinery systems.
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Topics include an introduction to thermodynamics, machine field capacity, power train requirements, power transfer, modern lubricants, traction, ballasting, weight distribution and equipment selection for tillage, planting, grain and forage harvesting, and transporting materials.
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Students in the course do standard classroom work but also have the opportunity to get important hands-on learning experiences with the machinery they learn about.
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Shannon demonstrates how certain systems within the tractor operate, as students get a first-hand look at how important technology is for agricultural machinery.
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This course also develops an understanding of mechanical power trains, introduction to traction and chassis mechanics.
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Students spent their first week studying a John Deere 8RX 370 tractor.
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While students were able to take a look inside the cab, several students also took a look under the hood.
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Students filled out a handout with multiple questions throughout the course.
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Students jumped in the cab of the tractor to check out how the different systems operate together.
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Shannon received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural engineering from Mizzou. His areas of expertise include precision agriculture, on-farm research, use of drones in agriculture, pesticide application technologies and agriculture machinery management.