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Education and Training
Employers prefer high school graduates who have an aptitude for mechanical work. High school courses should include machine shop, blueprint reading, electricity, electronics, hydraulics, welding and small engine repair. Some farm equipment mechanics start as helpers or trainees and learn the trade on the job by assisting qualified mechanics. This group includes mechanics who enter this occupation from related occupations such as farmers, farm laborers, heavy equipment mechanic, and auto and air conditioning mechanic. At least two years of on-the-job training are usually necessary for a mechanic to do most types of repair work. Additional training and experience are required for highly specialized repair and overhaul jobs. The length of training varies with individual ability and experience.

Skills & Other Requirements
Farm Equipment Mechanics adjust, maintain, repair, and overhaul farm vehicles, equipment, and machinery such as tractors, harvesters, combines, balers, tillage equipment, corn pickers, crop driers and other mechanized electrically powered or motor-driven equipment. In addition, they repair smaller lawn and garden tractors used by homeowners, recreation facilities, and industry. They also repair and install plumbing, irrigation and electrical systems, and construct or repair buildings and structures on farms. Mechanics who work for manufacturers of farm and power equipment and dealerships assemble, erect, test, calibrate, and adjust equipment.

Farm Mechanics may also disassemble for analysis defective equipment returned to manufacturers. Some experienced mechanics work as technicians for manufacturers and assist in research and development of new machinery. The work is usually performed on farms, in the shops of farm equipment dealers or wholesalers, or in an independent repair establishment. In large establishments, mechanics may specialize. They may work only on engine tune-up, engine overhaul, hydraulic or electrical systems or similar specialties. Sometimes they work only on one kind of equipment, such as combines or haybalers and may be designated according to the equipment maintained.

Farm equipment mechanics spend much of their time performing preventive maintenance as well as repairing and adjusting malfunctioning equipment. They examine visually, listen to, and observe equipment and machinery parts while they are in operation to detect malfunctioning or defective units. They dismantle defective parts or components, make necessary repairs, replace worn or dented parts, and periodically clean and lubricate parts, reassemble machinery and equipment. They use a variety of handtools, such as wrenches and micrometers; power tools, such as drill presses, lathes, milling machines, grinders, and saws; and welding equipment. They also use precision measuring instruments and complex testing equipment to measure engine performance, tune engines, find worn or leaking parts, or to test electrical equipment and circuits. In assembling and erecting new equipment or maintaining and repairing equipment mechanics follow blueprints, sketches, diagrams, lubrication charts, operation manuals, and other specifications. They often use catalogs to order replacement parts.

Working Conditions
During planting and harvesting seasons, farm equipment mechanics may travel long distances to farms, and work in all kinds of weather conditions in the field, to make emergency repairs. They should be able to lift, climb, stoop, and work in cramped quarters. Physical requirements include good general health, normal or corrected vision, good eye-and- hand coordination, manual and finger dexterity. Safety helmets, goggles, shoes, and other protective devices are required to reduce the risk of accidents. Repair work is relatively safe; however, care must be used to avoid injuries from heavy parts supported by jacks and hoists; engine burns, and cuts from handling tools and machinery with sharp edges.

Employers provide power tools and test equipment; mechanics must often furnish their own basic tools which cost up to $3,000. Uniforms may also be required, but employers furnish uniforms and laundry service. Mechanics work alone or with other workers or trainees. They should be self-reliant and be able to work without direct supervision.