In fall quarter of 2019, I enrolled in BRAE 141 (Agricultural Machinery Safety). This class entailed learning about mechanics, engine anatomy and how to drive a tractor. I hadn’t driven a tractor in a long time and starting out, I honestly had no idea how they worked. This class taught me not only how to drive tractors, but it also dove into what the various parts of the tractor were doing while it was being used.
The lecture for this class encompassed a lot of heavy information. I had no prior knowledge about engines in cars, let alone tractors. It was much more complex than I thought. By the end of class I had a much deeper respect for farmers and mechanics. The machines we used were not only expensive to fix, but they were also complex. The lecture also taught me about using proper safety precautions when around the heavy machinery.
The lab was definitely my favorite part of the class. In lab I was taught about all the different parts and tools farmer use daily to take care of their land. We used a variety of implements including rippers, plows and boxes. There was also a large selection of tractor types that we got to drive. Our professor was even able to get a tractor worth over $400,000. It was huge and pretty much drove itself via GPS. This lab was completely hands-on. It was scary at first, but I can now say it was one of the best experiences of my college career.
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