Avaliação do estado de conservação da frota de máquinas agrícolas em duas propriedades da fronteira oeste do Rio Grande do Sul – um estudo de caso

Abstract

The West Frontier of the state of Rio Grande do Sul is known nationally for the cultivation of irrigated rice, the region was responsible for the highest productivity of the state in the last harvest, exceeding 9,000 kg ha-¹. Due to the relief conditions and the irrigated rice cultivation system, usually in flooded areas, there is an impression that the machinery used for this activity is poorly maintained. The objective was to evaluate the state of conservation of the agricultural machines of two properties located in the Western Frontier of Rio Grande do Sul. An exploratory and descriptive study was carried out, with the application of qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, which allow to obtain information regarding the characteristics fleet and property characteristics. Through a comparative index, Weighted Conservation Status Index (IPEC) obtained by the equation: IPEC = (CPI x 35) + (CPp x 35) + (CPv x 20) + (CPa x 10), it was possible to assess the state conservation of the agricultural fleet of the properties. The general average of the Weighted State of Conservation Index (IPEC) of the observed tractors was 85 points. The harvesters had an IPEC of 95.5 points, very close to the maximum score of 100 points. As for the starting system, all the harvesters and tractors evaluated showed adequate functioning. From the results obtained in the present work, it can be said that the harvesters and tractors of the two properties under study are in good condition. The same was not observed in the seeders, which presented a state of conservation of the bodywork and regular or bad leaks.