FARM MACHINERY AND IMPLEMENTS SIMPLE FARM TOOLS: Meaning: These are simple, handy tools used mainly by peasant farmers. They are designed to help the hands to apply force in farm operations. Some common simple farm tools and their functions are discussed below. Types of Simple Farm Tools Cutlass Description: This is the tool most commonly used by farmers. There are two main types- one has a slightly curved blade with a short wooden handle, while the other has a straight metal blade and a short wooden handle. Cutlass Function/Uses: For cutting down and clearing bushes and trees. For planting seeds and harvesting crops. For transplanting seedlings. For weeding farmlands. Maintenance Practices Cutlass should be sharpened regularly. It should not be left lying about. Keep it in a dry and cool place. Metal parts should be oiled or greased before storage. Hoe Description: The hoe consists of a metal blade which may either be round or slightly rectangular in shape with a wooden which can either be long or short. Types of Hoe There are two types of hoe. These are: West African Hoe: It has a short wooden handle and a round metal blade. Its metal blade is attached to the wooden handle with a prong. West Indian Hoe: It has a long wooden handle and a rectangular metal blade. The metal blade has a loop round its handle. West African Hoe West Indian Hoe Similarities and Differences between West African Hoe and West Indian Hoe Similarities Both types of hoe have a metal blade. Both types of hoe have a wooden handle. Differences West African Hoe West Indian Hoe Has a short handle Has a long handle Has a round metal blade Has a rectangular metal blade Blade is attached to wooden handle with a prong Blade is attached to handle by a loop round the handle Function/Uses: For harvesting some crops. For planting and transplanting some plants. Hoe is used for land preparation. It is used for making ridges and heaps. It is used for weeding. Maintenance Practices Clean or wash after use. Keep in a dry and cool place. Oil or grease metal blade before storage. Sharpen blunt blades. Spade Description: Spade has a long wooden handle and a broad metal blade. The edge of the metal blade is sharp so that it can easily be driven into the soil. Spade Function/Uses: For digging holes during transplanting. For mixing cement/concrete for farm structures. It is used for levelling soil. Spade is used for lifting Maintenance Practices Keep away from rain and termite attack on wooden handles. Sharpen the blade regularly. Store in a cool and dry place. Shovel Description: Shovel is just like the spade. It has a long wooden handle but the blade of a shovel is hollow and broad with a rectangular or round edge. Shovel Function/Uses: For levelling the ground and removing stones or rubbish. For making garden paths. It used for lifting or transferring soil from one place to another. To load materials from ground level into wheel barrow. Maintenance Practices Clean after use. Keep the wooden part away from the attack of termites. Oil, grease or paint metal parts. Store in a dry and cool place. Garden Fork Description: Garden fork usually has four prongs or teeth which taper to a point. The prongs, made of hard metal are about 20cm long, mounted on a long wooden handle of about 70-80cm long. Garden Fork Function/Uses: It is used for loading hay. It is used for loading manure. It is used for loosening the soil before transplanting. It is used for turning manure during compost making. Maintenance Practices Apply grease to avoid rusting. Clean after use. Keep in dry and cool place. Paint metal parts before long storage.