If you work in agriculture or plan to, you must know the uses of agricultural machines. These machines have reshaped farming, making it more efficient and less labour-intensive. 

Farm mechanisation in India stands between 40% and 45%, which is significantly lower than over 90% in industrialised countries. With the right equipment, you can prepare soil, sow seeds, manage crops, and harvest with speed and precision that was unimaginable just a few decades ago.

This blog covers the types, benefits, and uses of agricultural machinery and provides guidance on choosing, maintaining, and managing these tools to optimise your farm’s productivity and sustainability.

What is Agricultural Machinery?

Agricultural machinery refers to tools and equipment designed to perform various farming activities. 

These machines help you prepare the land, plant seeds, irrigate, protect crops, harvest, and handle farm produce. They range from simple handheld tools to complex automated systems.

Machinery reduces physical effort, speeds up operations, and supports large-scale farming. Over time, their use has become a core part of modern agriculture.

Importance of Farm Machinery in Agriculture

Farming used to rely heavily on manual labour and animal power, limiting scale and efficiency. Introducing machinery has brought major changes:

1. Improved Productivity

Adopting mechanisation significantly boosts crop yields. A study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems found that medium-level mechanisation increased wheat productivity by 26%, while high-level mechanisation led to a 48% increase compared to low-mechanised farms.

2. Labour Savings

Mechanisation reduces reliance on manual labour, addressing labour shortages and lowering costs. For instance, in Punjab, mechanical paddy transplantation reduced labour costs from ₹4,000 to ₹1,100–1,500 per acre and cut labour hours by up to 88%.

3. Better Timing

Machinery enables timely agricultural operations, crucial for optimal yields. For example, harvesters can reduce harvesting time by a higher amount, minimising grain losses.

4. Precision

Modern equipment allows precise application of inputs, reducing waste. GPS-guided machinery ensures accurate planting, fertilising, and harvesting, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

5. Cost Efficiency

While initial investments in machinery are substantial, they lead to long-term savings. For example, in Trichy, the adoption of modern equipment was shown to cut costs by 30–40%, addressing labor shortages and reducing operational expenses.

6. Soil Health

Proper machinery use can improve soil preparation, reduce compaction, and boost fertility. Excessive use of heavy machinery can compact soil, diminishing pore space and impeding root growth. This compaction restricts water infiltration and nutrient uptake, leading to decreased crop yields.

What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing Agricultural Machinery?

When choosing the right agricultural machinery for your farm, it’s essential to consider various factors that directly impact your productivity and costs. 

Here’s a more in-depth look at these key factors with real-world examples and numbers to help you make an informed decision:

1. Farm Size

Larger farms need powerful machinery to save time and reduce labour. The size of your farm determines the machinery that’ll work best for you.

• Small Farms (Under 10 acres): A compact tractor (20-40 HP) is perfect for tasks like ploughing, sowing, and hauling. It’s easy to manoeuvre and ideal for smaller fields.

• Medium Farms (10-50 acres): If you’re managing more land, a 50-70 HP tractor works well for ploughing, harvesting, and irrigation. Add attachments like seeders and ploughs to increase efficiency.

• Large Farms (50+ acres): For larger operations, tractors with over 100 HP, like a combine harvester, are essential to cover more ground quickly. These machines make handling huge fields much easier.

2. Crop Type

Every crop requires different care, and the right machinery makes the job faster and more efficient while reducing the risk of crop damage.

• Cereal Crops (Wheat, Rice): Combine harvesters can do the job of multiple workers, helping with tasks like threshing and cutting in one go.

• Vegetables (Tomatoes, Potatoes): Specialised equipment like vegetable planters or harvesters makes sure crops are handled with care and harvested on time.

• Fruit Orchards (Mango, Apple): Orchard sprayers and tree pruners are designed to manage fruit trees and protect crops from pests and diseases.

3. Terrain

Your terrain affects how well your machinery works. It’s important to pick equipment that suits the ground you’re working on to avoid costly breakdowns or inefficiency.

• Flat Land: Regular 2WD tractors with attachments like ploughs and harrows work well in flat areas for sowing and tilling.

• Hilly Land: If you farm on slopes or uneven land, 4WD tractors or tracked tractors are better for stability and traction.

• Waterlogged Land: Floating tractors are ideal for wet or marshy land, ensuring the tractor doesn’t get stuck in muddy conditions.

4. Soil Type

Your soil type affects the kind of equipment you’ll need for optimal planting and harvesting. Using the wrong equipment can lead to inefficiency or damage.

• Clay Soil: Heavy machinery like subsoilers or chisel ploughs breaks through compacted soil, allowing better water infiltration and root growth.

• Sandy Soil: Disc harrows or rotary tillers work best for light tilling and preserving soil structure.

• Loamy Soil: Loamy soil is easy to work with, so seed drills and broadcast spreaders are sufficient for planting and fertilising.

5. Budget

Choosing machinery is a long-term investment. It’s important to think beyond the purchase price and consider operating and maintenance costs.

• Initial Cost: Small and medium-sized farms may benefit from used or more affordable equipment. If you're working on a larger farm, you’ll likely need to invest more in powerful tractors and harvesters.

• Operating Costs: Diesel is commonly used on large farms, but it can add up. Electric tractors are gaining popularity, though they come with a higher initial cost.

• Maintenance: Keep in mind that maintenance costs can add up. Regular service checks and spare parts can cost anywhere from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 annually.

6. Labour Availability

If you’re short on workers or want to cut labour costs, investing in automation helps you get the job done faster and more effectively.

• Limited Labour: If you face labour shortages, machinery like combine harvesters or auto-planters can replace multiple workers, saving you time and wages.

• Seasonal Labour: Automated equipment is also useful during peak seasons, such as harvest time, when you need extra help.

• Skilled Labour: In areas with skilled workers, advanced technology like GPS-guided tractors or auto-steering systems can improve precision farming.

7. Fuel and Power Source

Fuel costs can add up quickly, so choose the right power source based on your farm size and sustainability goals.

• Diesel-Powered Equipment: Diesel is the most common fuel for tractors and harvesters in India, especially for large farms, as it’s more efficient for heavy-duty operations.

• Electric Tractors: If you have a smaller farm or want to focus on sustainability, electric tractors offer a quieter and more eco-friendly option.

• Solar Power: For irrigation and other tasks, solar-powered systems can help reduce electricity costs, especially in sunny regions like Rajasthan.

8. Compatibility

Equipment compatibility ensures smooth operations and reduces downtime. It’s important that all your machinery works well together to improve productivity.

• Attachments: Make sure your tractor can easily connect with other farm implements like seed drills, fertiliser spreaders, or harrows to streamline your operations.

• Technology Integration: Some modern equipment integrates with GPS and auto-steering systems, allowing for better precision in planting, watering, and harvesting.

• Existing Farm Setup: Ensure the new machinery fits your farm’s existing infrastructure, such as storage sheds or workshops, to avoid unnecessary costs.

Also Read: Fertiliser Spraying Drone for Agriculture – Complete Guide

What Are the Benefits of Agricultural Machinery?

Using machinery brings benefits beyond faster work:

1. Uniformity

Consistent soil preparation and precise planting spacing achieved through mechanised equipment result in even crop emergence. This uniformity supports better nutrient uptake, reduces competition among plants, and leads to higher overall yields.

2. Reduced Physical Strain

Mechanisation reduces the need for repetitive manual tasks like tilling, weeding, and harvesting. This not only lowers the risk of long-term physical injury for workers but also helps address rural labour shortages by making farming more accessible to older or differently-abled individuals.

3. Higher Efficiency

Modern machines, such as combined harvesters and seed-cum-fertiliser drills, can carry out several operations in one pass. This significantly reduces time spent in the field and cuts down on fuel and labour costs, increasing overall productivity.

4. Better Quality

Advanced harvesting equipment reduces crop loss and damage during collection. For example, settings on threshers and harvesters can be adjusted for specific crops to reduce breakage, grain shattering, or bruising of fruits and vegetables, preserving their market value.

5. Flexibility

Tractors and other mechanised tools allow farmers to act quickly when sudden changes in weather occur, such as early rains or delayed monsoons, helping ensure timely sowing, spraying, or harvesting, which is often critical for crop success.

6. Environmental Care

Precision technologies in sprayers and seeders help reduce the overuse of fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. By applying inputs only where needed, these tools limit runoff and groundwater contamination, contributing to more sustainable practices.

7. Data Integration

Smart tractors, combines, and other equipment now come with GPS and IoT sensors that gather real-time data on soil conditions, yield estimates, and machine performance. This information helps farmers make informed decisions on resource allocation, crop planning, and equipment maintenance.

Leher’s drone-based spraying system saves time by covering up to 50 acres daily, slashing labour needs and boosting yield quality with precise input delivery. Farmers enjoy up to 40% input savings, 90% less water usage, and zero human exposure, making farming efficient, safer, and more sustainable.

Download the Leher app from the Play Store and Apple Store today.

What is the Classification and Different Types of Agricultural Machinery?

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of agricultural machinery, categorised by function, with details and examples for each group based on current practices and technologies used globally and in India:

1. Soil Preparation Machines

These are used before planting to prepare the soil for optimal seedbed conditions. They help loosen, aerate, and enrich the soil.

Examples:

• Ploughs (mouldboard, disc, chisel): Turn and break the soil.

• Rotavators: Crush and mix soil to create a fine tilth.

• Harrows (disc, tine): Level the soil and break clods.

• Subsoilers: Break compact layers below the surface for better root penetration and water flow.

• Levelers and Scrapers: Level the land for uniform irrigation and planting.

2. Planting Machines

These tools ensure precise placement of seeds and seedlings, improving germination and reducing waste.

Examples:

• Seed Drills: Sow seeds at specific depths and spacing for crops like wheat, maize, and millet.

• Planters: Used for row crops like cotton and vegetables.

• Transplanters: Mechanically transplant rice seedlings, saving labour and time.

• Nursery Machines: Automate seedling preparation in trays or beds.

3. Crop Maintenance Machines

These support the growth stage by helping control weeds, apply nutrients, and protect plants.

Examples:

• Sprayers (manual, tractor-mounted, or drone-based): Apply fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides uniformly.

• Weeders and Cultivators: Mechanise weeding operations, especially in wide-row crops.

• Fertiliser Spreaders: Distribute nutrients evenly across fields.

• Drones with multispectral sensors: Monitor plant health, nutrient levels, and pest infestations for precision agriculture.

4. Harvesting Machines

These machines automate the collection of crops at maturity, increasing speed and reducing post-harvest loss.

Examples:

• Combine Harvesters: Cut, thresh, and clean grains like wheat and rice in one pass.

• Reapers and Reaper-Binders: Cut crops like wheat or paddy in small and medium farms.

• Threshers: Separate grain from husks/straws.

• Sugarcane Harvesters, Potato Diggers, and Fruit Pickers: Designed for specific crop harvesting.

5. Post-Harvest and Handling Equipment

Used for drying, cleaning, grading, storing, and transporting produce to market while minimising losses.

Examples:

• Grain Cleaners and Graders: Improve market value by sorting grains.

• Dryers (solar or electric): Remove moisture before storage.

• Packaging Machines: Help with automated bagging and sealing.

• Cold Storage Units: Preserve perishable items like fruits and vegetables.

6. Irrigation Equipment

Efficient water management tools are vital in areas facing water scarcity.

Examples:

• Sprinkler Systems: Simulate rainfall; ideal for a wide range of crops.

• Drip Irrigation: Deliver water directly to plant roots; reduce evaporation and runoff.

• Irrigation Pumps: Move water from canals, ponds, or borewells to fields.

• Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems: Eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for small farmers.

7. Transport Machinery

After production, moving inputs and outputs efficiently is key.

Examples:

• Tractors with trolleys: Transport crops, manure, equipment, or harvested produce.

• Power Tillers: Multipurpose and useful for small farms—can plough, spray, and carry loads.

• Motorised Carts and E-rickshaws: Suitable for short-distance rural logistics.

What are the Agricultural Machines and their Functions?

Here’s an overview of commonly used machines and their primary functions:

Also Read: Choose Agriculture Drone Spraying Service in India

What are the Effects of the Use of Agricultural Machines?

The widespread use of agricultural machines has led to the following:

• Reduced Dependence on Manual Labour: Mechanisation lessens the physical burden on workers.

• Increased Productivity: Faster operations and better soil and crop management.

• Shift in Labour Patterns: labour demand shifts towards machine operators and technicians.

• Change in Farm Economics: Higher initial investment, but the potential for greater profitability.

• Environmental Impacts: If not used carefully, machinery can cause soil compaction or emissions, but modern machines aim to minimise these effects.

What are the Innovations and Future Prospects?

Uses of agricultural machines are evolving with:

1. Precision Technology: GPS-Guided Equipment Applies Inputs Accurately

Modern input application technologies rely heavily on GPS to deliver seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection agents with spatial accuracy. This category includes both aerial platforms (such as drones) and ground-based vehicles equipped with GPS guidance systems.

• Drones: Primarily used for spraying pesticides, foliar nutrients, and liquid fertilisers. They operate on pre-programmed flight paths derived from field maps and can target specific zones with controlled dosages.  

• Variable Rate Technology (VRT): GPS-based applications in precision farming are being used for spraying, farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, variable rate applications, and yield mapping. 

Example: RML AgTech has introduced Variable Rate Technology that uses GPS and advanced analytics to map soil quality and recommend precise fertiliser application. By using satellite imagery, real-time data, and on-ground sampling, farmers can apply different input doses across a field based on soil nutrient variability, helping reduce fertiliser costs, avoid overuse, and improve productivity. 

2. Electric and Hybrid Machines: Reduce Fuel Consumption and Emissions

Electric and hybrid agricultural machines offer a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered equipment, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 

• Electric and Hybrid Machines: The hybridisation of agricultural tractor powertrains is one of the most promising approaches for reducing pollutant emissions and fuel consumption. 

Example: At an agriculture expo in Lucknow, India, farmers were introduced to newly developed E-tractors and E-tillers, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. They are the technologies with low carbon emissions, and the potential to lower operational costs while promoting sustainable, electric-powered farming.

3. Smart Sensors and IoT: Machines Integrated with Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring

The integration of smart sensors and IoT in agriculture enables real-time monitoring of various parameters, leading to informed decision-making and optimised operations. 

• IoT in Agriculture: IoT in agriculture connects sensors, drones, and machinery to automate remote processes and provide real-time insights into soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions.  

• Smart Sensors: IoT-enabled smart sensors monitor crucial physical factors for crop growth. Traps equipped with cameras and automated sensors could detect pests.

Example: The e-Crop device developed by the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in Kerala. 

Recently granted a patent, e-Crop uses IoT-based sensors to monitor microclimatic conditions such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture. It helps farmers in irrigation and disease prevention, especially in tuber crop cultivation.

4. Drones: Used for Spraying, Monitoring Crop Health, and Mapping

Drones have become an integral part of modern agriculture, offering capabilities such as spraying, crop health monitoring, and field mapping. 

• Agricultural Drones: Drones are being used in agriculture for tasks such as crop surveillance and spraying, livestock supervision, and land mapping.  

• Drone Spraying: Drone spraying involves programming UAVs with flight paths using GPS and mapping software to ensure coverage accuracy.

Example: Leher’s drone services cover up to 50 acres with 8x productivity in a day, providing drone spraying services and earning opportunities.

Staying updated with new technologies can help you decide whether to adopt machines that fit your farm’s needs and resources.

What is the Economic and Environmental Impact?

Economically, machinery improves profitability through yield gains and labour cost savings. It supports larger-scale farming and diversified production.

Proper machine use, when combined with precision methods, minimises soil erosion, reduces chemical overuse, and conserves water. However, excessive mechanisation without care can degrade soil health or increase emissions, highlighting the need for balanced use.

How to Maintain and Manage Machinery?

To get the most from the uses of agricultural machines:

• Regular Maintenance: Keep engines, blades, and moving parts clean and lubricated.

• Timely Repairs: Address issues early to prevent breakdowns during critical farming periods.

• Operator Training: Skilled operators reduce machine wear and improve efficiency.

• Storage: Protect machines from weather damage by storing them under cover.

• Record-Keeping: Track maintenance schedules, fuel use, and repairs to plan budgets.

Good management prolongs machinery life and reduces downtime.

How Leher Can Help You With Agricultural Machinery?

Leher’s Drone-as-a-Service is an affordable, hassle-free way for farmers to access important farm equipment without large upfront costs. 

If you’re running a small plot, managing a large farm, or want to improve soil preparation, speed up harvesting, or expand your service offerings, Leher supports you with the tools and expertise to get more done with less effort.

• Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): No Ownership Needed: Why buy expensive machines when you can rent exactly what you need? Leher offers on-demand drone spraying services, helping farmers cover up to 50 acres daily with zero capital investment.

• 2. Precision Operations with Less Effort: Leher’s drones ensure targeted spraying of pesticides, fertilisers, and micronutrients. That means less chemical usage, reduced pollution, and healthier crops, all done faster than manual or traditional sprayers.

• Affordable Access to Advanced Tech: High-tech machines like drones or automated sprayers were once only for big farms. Leher changes that by offering pay-per-use machinery services that even small and marginal farmers can afford.

• Sales & Leasing Support: Ready to own a drone or grow your fleet? Leher helps you choose the right machinery for your farm size and budget. You also get ongoing support, training, and warranty services, so you're never alone.

• Maintenance-Free Convenience: There are no repairs or servicing headaches with Leher’s rental model. You get reliable equipment and trained operators, meaning zero downtime due to machinery breakdowns.

• Empowering Local Operators: Leher is building a rural network of certified drone pilots through its Drone Partner Program. This creates new employment opportunities while making advanced machinery available even in remote villages.

Boost your farm’s productivity with the right machinery with Leher. Leher offers flexible access, expert support, and easy booking to simplify your journey. Start maximising your resources and saving time.

Book a free call with our experts, and download the Leher app from the Play Store and Apple Store today.