MECHANICS

Learn How Machines, Engines & Motors Work

This course provides an understanding of machines. As such it forms a foundation for understanding the scope and nature of machines; possibilities for achieving more efficient work outcomes with machines; how to make better choices of what machine to use for what job, and how to manage and maintain machinery you use. Machines include obvious things such as cars and garden equipment; but also machinery used in factories, offices and other workplaces, and machines used to make life easier in our houses, from kitchen appliances to vacuum cleaners. A kitchen food processor is a machine as are cars and robots. This course is relevant to all of these things.

No matter their scale there are common features between different types of engines and motor and specific ways they can be maintained and repaired. Each lesson in this course builds upon what you learnt in the previous ones, gradually expanding your awareness and understanding of how and where engines or motors can be used to power machines, and how different types of machines function. You will also learn some important maintenance and repair skills and learn about the different tools and techniques required to look after engines and motors. This is an ideal course for those wanting to understand how their engines and motors work and how they can best look after them. When you better understand machines, you have a greater capacity to work in the horticulture industry.

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Engines & Motors - Petrol, Gas, Electric
   • Elementary Mechanisms
   • Power Sources
   • Steam Engines
   • Petrol Engines
   • Electric Motors
   • Operating Cycle
   • Four Stroke & Two Stroke Spark Ignition Engines
   • Parts of an Electric Motor
   • Salient & Non-Salient Pole Rotors
   • AC & DC Motors
   • Induction & Synchronous Motors
   • Applied Tasks - Changing Wheels, Mending Punctures
2. Engine Features
   • Measurements & Mechanical Principles
   • Force, Load, Pressure, Gravity, Density
   • Atmospheric Pressure
   • Centre of Gravity, Specific Gravity
   • Work, Power, Energy
   • Bore, Piston Motion, Piston Displacement, Compression Ratio
   • Energy Efficiency
   • Features of Electric Motors
   • Applied Tasks - Managing Spark Plugs
3. Machines & Their Parts
   • Parts of a Machine
   • Lubrication Systems
   • Cooling Systems
   • Fuel Systems
   • Transmission Systems
   • Gearbox, Clutch, Differential
   • Prop Shaft/ Drive Shaft
   • Power Take Off (PTO)
   • Ignition System
   • Distributor
   • Coil Pack
4. Drive Mechanisms - Transmissions, Gears, Belts
   • Cog Drive Machinery
   • Belt Drive Machinery
   • Transmission Drive Machinery
   • Transmission System - Clutch, Gearbox, Differential
   • Applied Task - Replacing Drive Belts
5. Managing Machinery Deterioration
   • Lubrication System
   • Cooling System
   • Oil Viscosity
   • Delivering Lubricant - Splash System, Pressure System, Combination System
   • Materials Deterioration
   • Properties Of Materials
   • Metals, Steels - Heat Treatments
   • Aluminium, Copper, Non-Ferrous Alloys And More
   • Seals
   • Suspension
   • Applied Tasks - Servicing Filters
6. Optimising Function & Longevity - Getting the Most from Machines
   • Adjustments
   • Controlling Power
   • Carburettors - Updraft, Side Draft, Down Draft
   • How A Carburettor Controls Fuel Mix
   • Float System
   • Barrels, Injectors
   • Lubrication
   • Exhaust Systems
   • Catalytic Converter
   • Muffler
   • Extractor
   • Turbochargers - Twin Versus Single
   • Intercooling
   • Waste Gate, Blow Off Valves
   • Boost Controller
   • Superchargers
   • Servicing A Carburettor
7. Brake Systems – Pneumatic Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes
   • Drum And Shoe Brakes
   • Disc Brakes
   • Brake Systems - Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electric
   • Anti-Lock Brake Systems
   • Regenerative Braking
   • Applied Tasks - Servicing Brakes, Jacking Vehicles
   • Changing Disc Brakes
   • Changing Drum Brakes
   • Motorcycle & Bicycle Brakes
8. The Machine Workshop – Equipment, Tools, Safety
   • Tool Maintenance
   • Work Bench
   • Vices And Clamps
   • Lifts, Ramps, Jacks, Ladders
   • Tightening Pullers, Pulleys, Winches
   • Generators, Battery Chargers
   • Cleaning Equipment
   • Grinders, Sharpening,
   • Work Pits & Hoists
   • Hand Tools - Spanners, Allen Keys, Pliers, Grips, Screw Drivers
   • Cutting Equipment
   • Hammers, Chisels, Punches
   • Power Tools
   • Soldering & Welding
9. Maintenance & Repair
   • Servicing A Typical Motor Car
   • Oil & Coolant Levels
   • Changing Filters
   • Checking Brakes & Brake Fluid
   • Wheel Alignment
   • Power Steeping Fluid
   • Electrics
   • Servicing Garden Equipment - Oil, Spark Plugs, Sharpening Blades,
   • Managing Materials
   • Treating Rust
   • Painting Metal

Why Study This Course?

Knowledge of mechanical principles and how machines work is a skill relevant to many aspects of modern life. This is especially relevant in horticultural and agricultural activities where much of the work done relies on machinery functioning correctly and efficiently.
This course will provide;

• An introduction - a great start point for those wanting to work with engines
• Knowledge of mechanics to work on your own engines to undertake maintenance and simple repairs
• A foundation for further study

Thinking of Enrolling? Get in Touch

Our friendly staff understand the importance of making the right choices when it comes to studying. We want to help you choose the right course whether it is for personal interest, upskilling, professional development, a new career, or a career change.