26) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : EXPLANATION

The field capacity in ha/10-hour day = Speed in km/h x working width in m x N.

Where N = Field Efficiency, which is measured as a decimal. The field efficiency factor allows for the time spent turning on the headlands, refueling
the tractor, filling seed and fertilizer bins on a planter, etc. Listed in the tables which follow are average field efficiencies for a selection of different
operations. In practice this figure might differ from the actual values, depending on how efficiently the operations are carried out.

EXAMPLE 1

A single-tine subsoiler is used at a speed of 5 km/hr and at a spacing of 2m. From field observations it is determined that 17 percent of the time is
spent on turning at the headlands and refueling the tractor. Determine the field capacity.

Working speed = 5km/hr

Working width = 2m
Field efficiency = 100 – 17
= 83% i.e. 0.83 as a decimal
Field capacity = 5 x 2 x 0.83
= 8.3ha/10-hour day.

In the following tables the column “kW REQUIRED” gives an indication of the actual power required to carry out the operation at specified field
capacity. It should be kept in mind that a naturally aspirated engine working under Highveld conditions can only deliver approximately 80% of its rated
power as measured at sea level. A turbo-charged engine is assumed not to lose any power with an increase in altitude. Therefore, if the table
indicates that 40kW is required, a tractor with an advertised rated power of 40/0.8 = 50kW has to be used. If the tractor is fitted with a turbo-charger,
a 40kW turbo-charged tractor would suffice. In some places in the tables a recommended tractor size is specified. This is for certain operations
where the physical size of the tractor, and not the power of the tractor, determines the field capacity for the operation. An example of such an
operation is the use of a high speed planter where a smaller tractor is unstable at high speeds although sufficient power is available. The lifting
capacity of a three-point hitch may also be a limiting factor in certain operations.

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26) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : EXPLANATION

The field capacities listed in Table 1 can be adjusted to suit the specific requirements by interpolation between the work rates for the machines. If for
instance, a 55kW tractor is available and the work rate for ploughing in a sandy soil has to be determined, it can be done as follows:

Available kW at Highveld altitude = 0.8 x 55

= 44kW

From Table 1 it can be seen that 48kW is required to plough 10Ha per day.
The field capacity with 44kW available will then be:

Field Capacity (ha/10-hour day) = (10ha/day x 44kW) ÷ 48kW

= 9.2ha/day

Table 1 usually provides for three soil types, namely sandy, sandy-loam and clay-loam. This classification is very wide and the work rates have to be
modified for operating (ploughing, discing, planting, etc) in the specific soil, and comparing these rates with the field capacities in Table 1. The
tabulated figures can then be adjusted for the specific soil type.

(By J. Pretorius and A.J. Heynes, Pr. Eng., Directorate: Agricultural Engineering.)

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE

Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
1) FIELD CULTIVATOR
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
75 mm depth & N = 83%
Width 1.6m 24 28 8.0 10.0 30-35
3.0m 36 43 8.0 20.0 45-54
3.0m 45 54 9.2 23.0 56-68
3.7m 48 57 9.0 28.0 60-71
4.5m 55 64 10.0 38.0 68-80
6.0m 70 80 10.0 50.0 88-100
7.5m 90 100 10.0 62.0 113-125
9.0m 117 120 10.0 75.0 146-150
2) LIGHT DISC HARROW
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
65 mm depth & N = 83%
Width 1.6m 24 28 8.0 10.0 30-35
3.0m 36 43 8.0 20.0 45-54
3.0m 45 54 9.2 23.0 56-68
3.7m 48 57 9.0 28.0 60-71
4.5m 55 64 10.0 38.0 68-80
6.0m 70 80 10.0 50.0 88-100
7.5m 90 100 10.0 62.0 113-125
9.0m 117 120 10.0 75.0 146-150
3) HEAVY DISC (OFFSET OR ONE-WAY)
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
150mm depth & N = 83%
Width 3.0m 70 85 8.0 20.0 88-106
3.8m 85 110 8.0 25.0 106-138
4.6m 105 130 8.0 31.0 131-163
5.5m 120 160 9.3 36.0 150-200
6.5m 150 - 11.3 43.0 188-250

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
4) CHISEL PLOUGH
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
200mm depth, 300mm, spacing & N = 83%
Width 2.2m 38 48 60 5.5 10.0 48-75
3.0m 47 60 74 5.5 14.0 59-92
3.4m 60 71 108 7.0 20.0 75-135
4.0m 70 82 125 7.0 23.0 88-156
4.5m 86 105 150 7.6 29.0 108-188
4.9m 93 120 170 7.6 31.0 116-212
5.4m 108 140 198 8.0 36.0 135-248
6.1m 150 194 274 9.8 50.0 188-343

5) RIPPER PLOUGH
380mm depth, 500mm, spacing & N = 83%
2 - t = 1.0m 40 45 60 6.5 5.5 50-75
3 - t = 1.5m 48 60 78 7.0 9.0 60-98
5 - t = 2.5m 60 75 100 6.8 14.0 75-125
7 - t = 3.5m 70 100 120 6.8 20.0 88-150
9 - t = 4.5m 100 130 170 7.2 28.0 125-212
11 - t = 5.5m 120 150 195 4.0 33.0 150-244

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
6) MOULDBOARD PLOUGH
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
250mm depth & N = 83%
2 x 508mm = 1.02m 24 - - 5.0 4.5 30
3 x 508mm = 1.52m 40 - - 5.8 7.5 50
4 x 508mm = 2.03m 48 - - 5.9 10.0 60
5 x 508mm = 2.54m 60 - - 6.1 13.0 75
5 x 508mm = 2.54m 72 - - 7.3 15.5 90
6 x 508mm = 3.05m 100 - - 8.1 21.0 125
8 x 406mm = 3.25m 113 - - 8.2 22.5 141
8 x 457mm = 3.66m 138 - - 8.8 27.0 173
3 x 406mm = 1.22m - 40 - 5.0 5.0 50
4 x 406mm = 1.63m - 48 - 5.0 7.0 60
5 x 406mm = 2.03m - 60 - 5.5 9.0 90
5 x 406mm = 2.03m - 72 - 7.0 12.0 125
6 x 406mm = 2.44m - 100 - 7.9 16.0 150
7 x 406mm = 2.85m - 120 - 8.0 19.0 175
8 x 406mm = 3.25m - 140 - 8.2 22.0 200
8 x 457mm = 3.66m - 160 - 8.2 25.0 50
3 x 406mm = 1.22m - - 40 3.3 3.5 60
4 x 406mm = 1.63m - - 48 3.6 5.0 90
5 x 406mm = 2.03m - - 63 4.2 7.0 79
5 x 406mm = 2.03m - - 73 5.6 9.5 91
6 x 406mm = 2.44m - - 100 6.6 13.5 125
7 x 406mm = 2.85m - - 143 7.8 18.5 179
8 x 406mm = 3.25m - - 163 7.9 21.0 204
8 x 457mm = 3.66m - - 200 6.6 26.0 250

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
7) HEAVY SPIKE-TOOTH HARROW Sandy
150mm depth and N = 83% Loam
5-section = 5.5m 30 8.7 40.0 38
8-section = 7.3m 45 9.0 55.0 56
12-section = 11.0m 65 9.3 85.0 81
16-section = 14.6m 95 9.9 120.0 120
8) SPREADER (LIME OR FERTILIZER) Sandy
N = 60% Loam
Width 3m 15 8.0 14.0 30
4m 18 8.0 19.0 30
6m 24 8.0 29.0 40
8m 27 8.0 38.0 50
10m 34 8.0 48.0 75
12m 42 8.0 58.0 75
14m 47 8.0 67.0 90
16m 54 8.0 77.0 110
18m 60 8.0 86.0 130
9) MAIZE PLANTER
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
Full Fertilizer & N = 60%
2 x 0.91 m = 1.82m (Mounted) 21 20 19 8.0 9.0 35
2 x 0.91 m = 1.82m (Mounted) 25 23 22 12.0 13.0 35
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 25 23 22 6.0 13.0 40
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 33 40 29 8.0 18.0 40
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 43 39 37 10.0 22.0 50
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Trailed) 50 46 44 12.0 26.0 55
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Mounted) 38 34 33 6.0 20.0 50
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 50 46 44 8.0 26.0 60
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 60 56 54 10.0 33.0 70
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 74 68 65 12.0 39.0 75

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
9) MAIZE PLANTER (cont)
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
Full Fertilizer & N = 60%
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 49 45 43 6.0 26.0 70
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 66 60 58 8.0 35.0 80
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 83 76 73 10.0 44.0 90
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 98 90 86 12.0 52.0 100
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 75 68 65 6.0 39.0 90
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 98 90 86 8.0 52.0 100
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 120 110 105 10.0 65.0 120
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 142 130 125 12.0 78.0 150
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (Mounted) 18 17 16 6.0 16.5 40
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (Mounted) 24 22 21 8.0 22.0 50
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (Mounted) 29 27 26 10.0 27.0 55
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (Mounted) 36 33 32 12.0 33.0 55
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (Mounted) 27 25 24 6.0 25.0 55
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (Trailed) 36 33 32 8.0 33.0 60
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (Trailed) 46 42 40 10.0 41.0 70
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (Trailed) 55 50 48 12.0 49.0 75
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (Trailed) 36 33 32 6.0 33.0 90
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (Trailed) 49 45 43 8.0 44.0 90
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (Trailed) 60 55 53 10.0 55.0 100
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (Trailed) 74 68 65 12.0 66.0 110
Starter fertilizer and N = 70%
2 x 0.91 m = 1.82m (Mounted) 21 20 19 6.0 8.0 35
2 x 0.91 m = 1.82m (Mounted) 25 23 22 12.0 15.0 35
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 22 21 20 6.0 15.0 35
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 25 24 23 8.0 20.0 35
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Mounted) 27 26 25 10.0 25.0 45
4 x 0.91 m = 3.64m (Trailed) 33 31 30 12.0 30.0 50

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
9) MAIZE PLANTER (cont)
Sand Firm Soil Loose Soil
Starter fertilizer and N = 70%
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Mounted) 26 25 24 6.0 23.0 45
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 33 31 30 8.0 30.0 55
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 42 40 38 10.0 38.0 60
6 x 0.91 m = 5.46m (Trailed) 50 48 46 12.0 46.0 70
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 35 34 32 6.0 31.0 65
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 44 42 40 8.0 41.0 70
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 55 53 50 10.0 51.0 80
8 x 0.91 m = 7.28m (Trailed) 66 64 60 12.0 61.0 90
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 51 48 46 6.0 46.0 80
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 68 65 62 8.0 61.0 90
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 83 80 76 10.0 76.0 100
12 x 0.91 m = 10.92m (Trailed) 100 98 92 12.0 92.0 110
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (*M) 15 15 14 6.0 19.0 35
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (*M) 21 20 19 8.0 25.0 45
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (*M) 25 24 23 10.0 32.0 55
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m (*M) 30 28 27 12.0 38.0 55
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (*M) 24 23 22 6.0 29.0 50
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (**T) 30 28 27 8.0 38.0 55
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (**T) 37 36 34 10.0 48.0 60
3 x 2.29m = 5.87m (**T) 44 42 40 12.0 58.0 70
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (**T) 30 28 27 6.0 38.0 80
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (**T) 40 38 36 8.0 51.0 80
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (**T) 50 48 45 10.0 64.0 90
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m (**T) 59 58 54 12.0 77.0 100

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
10) WHEAT DRILL
Firm Soil
350mm rows & N = 60%
7-row = 2.45m 15 7.0 10.0 40
9-row = 3.15m 20 7.0 13.0 45
14-row = 4.90m 39 9.0 26.0 70
18-row = 6.30m 51 9.0 34.0 80
21-row = 7.35m 60 9.0 40.0 90
27-row = 9.45m 76 9.0 51.0 100
11) CULTIVATOR
Firm Soil
N = 83%
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 17 4.0 12.0 25
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 26 6.0 18.0 35
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 34 8.0 24.0 50
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 43 10.0 30.0 55
6 x 0.91m = 5.45m 26 4.0 18.0 40
6 x 0.91m = 5.45m 39 6.0 27.0 50
6 x 0.91m = 5.45m 52 8.0 36.0 65
6 x 0.91m = 5.45m 65 10.0 45.0 80
8 x 0.91m = 7.28m 34 4.0 24.0 60
8 x 0.91m = 7.28m 52 6.0 36.0 70
8 x 0.91m = 7.28m 69 8.0 48.0 85
8 x 0.91m = 7.28m 86 10.0 60.0 100
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 22 4.0 15.0 35
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 33 6.0 23.0 50
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 43 8.0 30.0 60
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 54 10.0 38.0 70
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 33 4.0 23.0 50
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 49 6.0 34.0 60
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 65 8.0 45.0 80
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 82 10.0 57.0 100

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
11) CULTIVATOR (cont.)
Firm Soil
N = 83%
4
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m 3 4.0 30.0 80
6
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m 5 6.0 45.0 100
8
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m 8 8.0 61.0 110
1
4 x 2.29m = 9.16m 09 10.0 76.0 120

Tractor size ha/day at a yield of

Implement
kW 2t/ha 3t/ha 4t/ha 5t/ha 6t/ha
12) TRAILED COMBINE FOR MAIZE
with unloading wagon & N = 80%
1-row 38 12 8 6 5 4
2 x 0.91m 42 14 10 7 6 5

without unloading wagon & N = 65%

1-row 38 10 7 5 4 3
2 x 0.91m 42 12 8 6 5 4
13) SELF-PROPELLED COMBINE FOR MAIZE
with unloading wagon & N = 80%
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 38 24 16 12 10 8
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 48 38 26 19 15 13
6 x 0.91m = 5.46m 68 58 38 29 23 19
6 x 0.91m = 5.46m 95 80 54 40 32 26
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 38 24 16 12 - -
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 48 38 26 19 - -
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 68 58 38 29 - -
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 95 80 54 40 - -

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE

Tractor size Ha/Day at a yield of

Implement
kW 2t/ha 3t/ha 4t/ha 5t/ha 6t/ha
13) SELF-PROPELLED COMBINE FOR MAIZE
without unloading wagon & N = 65%
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 38 20 13 10 8 7
4 x 0.91m = 3.64m 48 31 21 16 12 10
6 x 0.91m = 5.46m 68 47 31 23 19 16
6 x 0.91m = 5.46m 95 65 44 33 26 21
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 38 20 13 10 - -
2 x 2.29m = 4.58m 48 31 21 16 - -
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 68 47 31 23 - -
3 x 2.29m = 6.87m 95 65 44 33 - -

14) SELF-PROPELLED COMBINE FOR WHEAT

With unloading wagon & N = 80%
2.70m 38 34 17 11 9
3.66m 48 48 24 16 12
4.57m 68 77 38 26 19
6.71m 95 115 58 38 29

Without unloading wagon & N = 65%

2.70m 38 27 14 9 7
3.66m 48 39 20 13 10
4.57m 68 62 31 21 16
6.71m 95 94 47 31 25

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
15) BOOM SPRAYER
N = 60%
Band 4 x 0.91m 15 6.0 13.0 30
6 x 0.91m 15 6.0 30.0 30
8 x 0.91m 15 6.0 26.0 30
2 x 2.29m 15 6.0 16.5 30
3 x 2.29m 15 6.0 25.0 30
4 x 2.29m 20 6.0 33.0 40
6m Boom 20 6.0 22.0 40
8m Boom 25 6.0 29.0 50
12m Boom 25 6.0 43.0 50

16) CUTTER-BAR MOWER

N = 80%
1.8m knife 10 9.0 35

17) DISC MOWER

N = 80%
1.6m 30 10.0 38
1.8m 30 12.0 38
2.0m 35 13.0 44
2.4m 46 15.0 58
2.8m 46 18.0 58

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27) FIELD CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY : TABLE
Speed
Implement kW Required Ha/Day Tractor size (kW)
(Km/Hr)
18) PICK-UP BALER
Hay and N = 50% 35 25 1 7 13 10 8 7
19) ROUND BALER
Hay and N = 50%
Small 45 56 30 2 0 15 12 10 8
Medium 48 60 40 2 7 20 16 13 11
Large 52 65 45 3 0 23 18 15 13

20) HAY RAKE Brittle Crops (ha/day) Other Crops (ha/day)

N = 80%
2.0m 16 35 11 15
2.4m 18 35 13 18
3.0m 20 35 17 23
26 35 33 46
6.0m

28) TRANSPORT
No measurements have been made of the required power.
For a tractor and trailer the following can be used to calculate approximate fuel consumption.

Terrain Fuel consumption/ litre per ton-km

Flat 0.05
Undulating 0.10
Hilly 0.15

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