Farm Equipment Mechanics maintain, repair, and overhaul farm equipment used to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. They work on farms or in farm equipment repair shops.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Farm Equipment Mechanics may:

Perform preventive maintenance such as checking, cleaning and lubricating equipment

Assemble implements for dealers

Repair damaged sheet metal

Find the trouble and repair diesel and gasoline tractors and other equipment

Install or repair wiring or motors on electrically driven machinery

Weld defective equipment or frame parts

Machines repaired by Farm Equipment Mechanics may include:

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Farm Equipment Mechanics may specialize in these areas:

624.361-014 SPRINKLER-IRRIGATION-EQUIPMENT MECHANICS install and maintain circle-irrigation systems on farms. They assemble prefabricated sections of the irrigator, install water pipe and sprinkler heads along the framework, and secure the irrigator to the pivot point of the water supply. To maintain the equipment, they periodically repack the pivot with grease and lubricate moving parts, and they replace defective parts, when required.

624.381-010 ASSEMBLY REPAIRERS correct assembly defects of agricultural equipment, such as tractors, hay balers, and combines, in factories where the equipment is manufactured.

624.684-010 GREASERS service and maintain farm machinery and equipment such as lubricating and greasing tractors and other powered machinery and attachments. They also couple attachments, such as cultivators and stalk cutters, to tractors and adjust the attachments to till the soil at prescribed depths or to perform other operations.

629.281-018 DAIRY-EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS use hand tools, machine tools, and measuring instruments to repair and maintain dairy machinery and equipment such as churns, cream separators, and milking machines.

624.281-010 FARM-EQUIPMENT MECHANIC I

624.381-014 FARM-EQUIPMENT MECHANIC II

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Farm Equipment Mechanics may work in the service departments of farm equipment manufacturers or dealerships, independent repair shops, repair shops, or large farms, or in fields when machinery cannot be brought to the shop.

Some Farm Equipment Mechanics are self-employed, carry their own tools, and work in several areas of the country.

Shops vary widely in working conditions. The more modern ones are clean, well equipped; others are old and may be drafty in the winter and hot in the summer. When work is done on the farm the Repairer has to endure outside weather conditions.

The work can be dangerous. There are risks from falling parts, falls caused by slipping in mud or oil, burns from hot engines, and cuts from sharp edges.

Farm Equipment Mechanics' working hours may vary from 40 to 44 hours a week, including Saturdays. They often work overtime during peak seasons to finish repairs, so that farmers will lose as little time as possible. In winter, Mechanics may work only 35 to 40 hours a week. Those who work for equipment manufacturers have more regular hours.

Some employers supply hand tools and all shop equipment. Others require Mechanics to own and maintain their own hand tools. The cost of such hand tools can vary from $200 to several thousand dollars.

Farm Equipment Mechanics employed by equipment manufacturers generally belong to the same union as other employees of the company. Farm Equipment Mechanics who belong to unions pay monthly dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with machines and equipment

• Working outdoors

• Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Read and follow instructional manuals and blueprints

• Use and understand complex testing equipment

• Work independently

• Rate information by measurable, verifiable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Visualize three-dimensional objects from drawings or pictures

• Make decisions based on personal judgement.

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Measurements during an engine overhaul show the cylinder bore at top of ring travel is 120.72 mm parallel to the crankshaft and 120.87 mm perpendicular to the crankshaft. The cylinder bore at the bottom of ring travel is 120.80 mm perpendicular to the crankshaft.

Calculate the cylinder taper and the out-of-roundness.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The differential permits the tractor to turn corners, but it has two disadvantages. The first is the two axle torques must be equal so that neither axle can transmit more torque than is permitted by the wheel with the poorest traction. The second is that the differential delivers more than half the power to the drive wheel with the poorest traction.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a tractor repair job at the request of a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in repairing and maintaining farm equipment.

Certain farm implement manufacturers may request a Farm Equipment Mechanic pass a written test on machinery and repair procedures.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

001 AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Agricultural Mechanics prepare students to select, operate, maintain, and use agricultural machinery and power equipment. Instruction includes the study of gas, diesel, and electrical power; welding; refrigeration; and hydraulics and other power systems. Instruction also includes planning for and construction of agricultural facilities.

Courses in other agriculture programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

006 AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS

Programs in Agricultural Mechanics provide opportunities to gain the technical knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain tractors and other farm equipment. Individuals who teach Agricultural Mechanics at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Working on a farm after school or on weekends provides experience with farm machinery. Membership in the National Future Farmers of America organization and 4-H Clubs can provide experience. Secondary vocational education or postsecondary programs in agricultural mechanics may offer co-op programs which include practical experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Farm Equipment Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with a Farm Equipment Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

Most Farm Equipment Mechanics are hired as helpers and learn the trade on the job. Individuals may apply directly to employers, read newspaper want ads, or contact local offices of the Michigan Works!. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, vehicle and mobile equipment repairers including Farm Equipment Mechanics had median weekly earnings of $594 or $14.85 per hour in 1999.

In the state of Michigan, wages of Farm Equipment Mechanics were comparable to earnings nationally.

Unionized workers also received additional compensation for any work in excess of 40 hours per week.

In 1999, the 1998 graduates of Michigan high school vocational education programs earned a beginning average of $8.93 per hour in jobs related to this occupation.

Farm Equipment Mechanics may receive uniforms, sick leave, retirement plans, vacations and holidays and insurance plans. Mechanics employed on large private farms may receive free or low-cost housing.

Small farms or service shops cannot offer much advancement other than increased wages. With larger farms or shops, there are several ways to be promoted. Those workers with a thorough knowledge of the job and who keep up to date with developments in new farm equipment are more likely to be considered for promotion.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 44,200 Farm Equipment Mechanics employed in 1998. Employment is expected to decline through the year 2008. Most openings will occur as workers retire, die, or transfer to other occupations. Additionally, about 10.4% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Farm Equipment Mechanics looked like this:

Because farm equipment is more technically advanced it is more difficult for farmers to make their own repairs. Opportunities should be best for workers with technical training and those who have lived on or worked on farms and have some experience operating and/or repairing farm machinery. More opportunities for self-employment should increase as the number of dealerships continues to decline.

There were about 1,250 Farm Equipment Mechanics working in Michigan.

Employment is expected to decline in Michigan through the year 2006. An average of 30 openings is expected each year due to growth and 30 due to the replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur to replace Mechanics who transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Declining farm incomes, which have adversely affected the demand for farm equipment, have also resulted in sluggish growth in the employment of Farm Equipment Mechanics. An analysis of supply indicates an abundance of trained individuals available.

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Farm Equipment Mechanic can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development