With superior technology, metallurgy and newer designs, there is a constant evolution in hand tools and machines developed for farm operations and allied activities. It looks at fundamental issues related to ergonomics and human factors science and technology, human-machine compatibility, and better use of agricultural machinery and vehicles. It focuses primarily on efficiency, comfort, health, safety and well-being in relation to biological, motivational and environmental requirements. Socio-economic contexts, user expectations and needs determine the technology, machinery and methods that come to stay in agriculture. This chapter highlights the criteria used in the ergo-design of farm equipment and machinery, with duly acknowledging the problems that fall into user functions in agricultural activities. Regarding decision-making functionality, dimensions of any tool / equipment and human-machine hardware compatibility, anthropometric and muscle strength parameters are taken into account. There is a limitation on the availability of farmer population data in other countries. It is practically not possible to generalize the equipment and workspaces to suit all users. The design is made to satisfy approximately 90% of users within the 5th and 95th percentile limits. ISO 7250 includes body dimensions of the population of Austria, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, the Netherlands, Thailand, and the United States. Body dimensions and muscle strength parameters of representative Indian farm workers are tabulated for use in farm equipment design. Safe force limits or isometric strength values vary by gender, age range and population characteristics.
