Exercise 2. Consult the textbook and other reference materials you have at hand to repeat the use and Russian translation of Modal verbs

Consult the textbook and other reference materials you have at hand to repeat the use and Russian translation of Modal verbs.

Grammar Note: Among all modal verbs, you are advised to pay special close attention to these four (and their forms): can (could), may (might), must, to have to.

Now, study-read the following text, paying attention to the meanings of the sentences containing Modal verbs.

Text 8

What machinery, buildings and equipment will be required and employed by a particular farmer or an agricultural enterprise will depend on a number of different factors: the nature and qualities of the designed products, the method(s) of production applied, whether the production processes are “labour intensive” (e.g. when labour is abundant and relatively low in cost), or are “machine intensive”, what is available in the area concerned, and the finance available (some machinery and equipment units are rather expensive).

It is, however, possible to give some generalized information for consideration. Machines are broadly of two types, and so the choice in any given situation lies between:

1) Machines which are designed for specific jobs or for producing a particular type of product are called “special-purpose machines”. In some cases they may have to be specially commissioned and manufactured to the farm’s specifications; among them we may name specially designed sets of cattle -farm buildings and equipment.

2) Machines which are not too highly specialized as regards the type of work they can perform, and are not designed to meet the specifications of the one particular agricultural business, are called “general-purpose machines”. Most items of ‘standard’ equipment fall within this category, e.g. crop harvesting combines.

The purposes for which different pieces of machinery and equipment to be used will, of course, be central to the decision on what will be selected by a particular farming business. The cost of what is required, and financial means available may narrow down the choice. Some units may be available second-hand or “ reconditioned ”. Quotations from a number of competitivesuppliers should be obtained whenever possible. Not only the initial cost should be considered, but also comparative runningcosts, the costs of servicing and general maintenance, and depreciation must be studied. Obviously the power necessary to drive different machinery must be available, and the comparative cost of power may have a bearing on what is selected.

Maintenance operations need to be carried out on a continuousbasis, and they should incorporate not only regular inspections, servicing and repairs, but also ensuring that operators use the machines properly and that management is given adequatewarning that any major overhauls, repairs or replacements are necessary. Unexpectedshut -downs or interruptions to production must be avoided whenever possible. Operation brakes for serious repairs, etc., ought to be planned for in advance to ensure the minimum of disruption and loss of production.

Another factor is the cost of labour. Sophisticated machinery and equipment may require highly skilled and trained - and paid - operators who might be difficult to recruit, whilst simpler machinery may need lower paid workers.

Once the “true” cost of a machine has been ascertained, that should be compared with its potential “earning capacity” to determine whether its acquisition is a viable proposition. It can happen that a more expensive machine will prove more economical, as far as operating cost and earning capacity are concerned, in the long-term than cheaper models.