Farm Equipment Mechanics

Career summary

#3115 no alt titles or infor brought over, checked 2/26/15 lh

Farm equipment mechanics maintain, repair, and install machines used for planting, harvesting, and other farm activities. They check equipment and make minor adjustments, clean parts, and tune engines.

When a piece of farm equipment is not working correctly, mechanics must figure out what is wrong. They use testing equipment to find the problem. They watch the engine while it is running to find any loose parts or leaks. Sometimes they must take the engine apart to find a problem. Farm equipment mechanics replace worn and broken parts. They monitor the repaired machine to make sure it is running properly.

Some farm equipment mechanics focus on specific types of farm machines, such as large tractors or combines. Others install and repair irrigation and sprinkler systems. Farm equipment mechanics document the repairs they make and the parts they use in order to calculate a bill.

As farming practices are updated, more advanced farming equipment is being used. Modern farming equipment uses advanced electronics and computer technology. Farm equipment shops sometimes require mechanics to update their skills so they can service advanced equipment.

Usually farmers bring farm equipment to the shop for maintenance and repairs. Sometimes farm equipment mechanics travel to farms to work on large machinery. Mechanics may also make emergency trips to farms during the planting or harvesting season.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automobile Mechanics
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Heavy Equipment Mechanics
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Welders and Solderers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to farm equipment mechanics.

• Examine and listen to equipment to diagnose problems.
• Dismantle equipment and take out defective parts as needed.
• Manufacture new parts using drills, lathes, welding equipment, and other machine tools.
• Repair and replace defective parts of farm equipment.
• Keep inspection and maintenance reports on equipment serviced.
• Drive equipment truck to farm and field locations.
• Test and replace electrical components on equipment.
• Install and repair agricultural plumbing systems, including irrigation systems.
• Clean and lubricate parts.
• Tune or overhaul engines.
• Calculate bills according to repairs made, parts bought, and time used.

Common work activities

Farm equipment mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Control machines and processes
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Think creatively
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Develop goals and strategies
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Evaluate information against standards
• Use computers
• Perform for or work with the public
• Schedule work and activities
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, farm equipment mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They talk to farm workers to find out what is wrong with the machinery.
• Communicate mostly by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.
• Sometimes write emails and reports.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other mechanics.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as motor oil and antifreeze.
• Are always exposed to hazardous equipment. They constantly work with farm equipment that has cutting blades, moving parts, and high temperatures.
• Are exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels on a daily basis.
• May work indoors or outdoors, depending on the machinery.
• Are often exposed to hazardous conditions and situations that produce minor cuts, burns, and bruises.
• Regularly wear protective or safety attire, such as gloves or glasses.
• Sometimes work in cramped places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Sometimes work in very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
• May be exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• Usually spend time throughout the day in trucks, tractors, and similar vehicles and equipment.
• May work physically near others.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be very exact in their work. This ensures that farm equipment operates efficiently and safely.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that greatly impact others, including customers and their own company. They usually make decisions without talking to another first.
• Set their daily tasks and goals in conjunction with the needs of clients.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work over 40 hours per week during the planting and harvest season.
• May work part time or not at all during the winter.
• May travel many miles to reach farms.

Physical demands

Farm equipment mechanics frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for farm equipment mechanics to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for farm equipment mechanics to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.

Skills and abilities

Farm equipment mechanics need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Agricultural Technologies
• Diesel Technology
• Small Engine Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Automotive Technology
• Industrial Mechanics

Training

To work as a farm equipment mechanic, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some farm equipment mechanics learn their skills through formal training. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer diesel technology programs. In these programs you learn the fundamentals of diesel engines, transmissions, and hydraulics. Most programs provide a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Programs last between six months and two years. Two-year programs usually grant an associate degree.

Work experience

Growing up on a farm or doing farm work can be good preparation for this occupation. Not only do you need to know how to fix the machinery, you also need to know how to operate it and what it does.

On-the-job training

Most farm equipment mechanics learn their skills on the job. They receive training from experienced mechanics. You begin by working as a helper. As a helper, you perform routine services and make minor repairs. As you get more experience, you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• repair and service farm equipment;
• service electrical systems; and
• service brake systems.

On-the-job training usually takes three to four years to complete.

Mechanics who have a degree in diesel technology often receive on-the-job training as well. They start with more advanced tasks than people who learn all their skills on the job.

Because farming technology changes quickly, all mechanics may receive training from manufacturer's representatives.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. Physics and Chemistry courses are good preparation for this occupation.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Agriculture Technology
• Auto Repair Technology
• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire mechanics who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer people who have completed a training program in farm machinery repair. Training in mechanics, welding, and computers are very helpful for getting a job. Applicants should be physically able to perform the work. The work often requires lifting heavy parts and pieces of machinery.

Some employers may require applicants to obtain a commercial driver's license. Employers look for workers who are neat in appearance, punctual, willing to learn, and able to get along well with other staff and customers.

Tips

Any knowledge of hydraulic, electrical and/or diesel fuel systems, and small gas engines is helpful. People who have worked on farms and can operate farm machinery have an advantage. Take additional classes or seek on-the-job training to increase your skills. Get as much training in electrical systems and components as possible. Familiarity with computers and course work in basic computer technology is also important.

Costs to workers

Farm equipment mechanics usually must purchase their own tools.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by time of the year. During the planting and harvest seasons, mechanics have many opportunities to work overtime and earn higher wages. However, mechanics may work less during some of the winter months.

Full-time farm equipment mechanics usually receive benefits. Common benefits are paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, opportunities should be best for trained mechanics with experience or training in electronic systems, who can work on technically advanced farm equipment.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Farm machinery and equipment suppliers
• Lawn and garden equipment supply stores

National outlook

Demand for farm equipment mechanics will be driven by the need for agricultural products to feed a growing population. Demand for other products, such as biofuels, will also increase jobs for mechanics.

Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the occupation. Competition for these openings will not be strong. Employers report difficulty finding trained people to fill farm mechanic positions. This may be because those who might repair farm equipment can also work as mechanics in other fields where they often earn more money. Opportunities are seasonal, and are, generally, best during warmer months.

Other resources

AgCareers.com 
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

Irrigation Association 
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.536.7080

National Farmers Organization 
528 Billy Sunday Road, Suite 100
PO Box 2508
Ames, IA 50010
800.247.2110

National Future Farmers of America Organization 
PO Box 68960
6060 FFA Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960
317.802.6060

North American Equipment Dealers Association 
165 North Meramec Avenue, Suite 430
Clayton, MO 63105
636.349.5000

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington Farm Bureau 
975 Carpenter Road NE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98516
360.357.9975

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Assembly Repairer (624.381-010) 
• Dairy-equipment Repairer (629.281-018) 
• Farm-equipment Mechanic I (624.281-010) 
• Farm-equipment Mechanic II (624.381-014) 
• Farm-equipment-mechanic Apprentice (624.281-014) 
• Milking-system Installer (809.381-018) 
• Sprinkler-irrigation-equipment Mechanic (624.361-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled