Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Farm equipment mechanics, also known as service technicians, use farm implements such as basic hand tools, precision gear, welding gear and power tools to service and mend combines, tractors, thrashers, hay balers and other large farmer's equipment. Generally, a farm equipment mechanic works in a well-lit and ventilated garage provided by the farm equipment dealer; however, occasionally, they may be required to support farmers with equipment in the field.
Among the various tasks performed by them, some include maintaining and repairing overhaul agriculture equipment and vehicles such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems, disassembling defective machines for repair, recording details of repairs made and equipment used, reassembling machines and equipment following repair and washing and lubricating different parts.
The education required to get a job as a farm equipment mechanic is a one- or two-year training program and on-the-job training. Moreover, some essential knowledge is required, which includes mechanical, customer service, management, engineering and technology, mathematics and computer and electronics.
Farm equipment mechanics or service technicians require various skills daily. These include equipment maintenance, monitoring skills, quality control analysis, equipment selection, judgement and decision-making power and repairing skills.
To be successful as an agriculture equipment mechanic, one must have certain abilities such as perceptual speed, arm-hand steadiness, finger dexterity and reaction time.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 5 Mechanic (Electrical Power Drives)
- NSQF Level 2 Electrical Winder
Tasks
- Record details of repairs made and parts used.
- Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
- Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
- Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
- Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
- Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
- Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.
- Clean and lubricate parts.
- Tune or overhaul engines.
- Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.
Progression Routes
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