This text is intended to provide a basic understanding of selecting, maintaining, and managing farm machinery. The following topics are covered in the individual chapters: dealing with typical problems in farm machinery management; measuring machine capacity; improving field efficiency; matching machine size and capacity; estimating power requirements; estimating fixed costs; estimating fuel and lubricant costs; estimating repair costs; computing total costs for machines and operations; deciding when to trade; considering future capacity needs; calculating custom work costs; comparing ownership, leasing, and rental costs; and starting machinery management. The final chapter, which contains six case studies, deals with recordkeeping, the cost of new machinery, financial analysis, peer pressure, using a budget, and cash flow analysis. A chapter summary and set of quiz questions conclude each chapter. Answers to the questions are also provided. Appendixes include reference tables, calculator and computer sections, and a list of suggested readings. (MN)