CareerZone Pennsylvania

Farm Equipment Mechanics

Description

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Education Requirements

Postsecondary vocational award - Training is gained through a vocational training program lasting anywhere from a few weeks up to 2 years.

Interests

Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Knowledge

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Technology Design	Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Tasks

• Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.
• Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
• Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.
• Fabricate new metal parts, using drill presses, engine lathes, and other machine tools.
• Record details of repairs made and parts used.
• Calculate bills according to record of repairs made, labor time, and parts used.
• Repair bent or torn sheet metal.
• Clean and lubricate parts.
• Tune or overhaul engines.
• Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
• Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
• Install and repair agricultural irrigation, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
• Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
• Reassemble machines and equipment following repair; test operation; and make adjustments as necessary.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $30,770.00. The entry-level wage was $19,410.00 while an experienced worker made $36,450.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 1,130 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 1,230 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 10 openings due to growth and about 25 replacement openings for approximately 35 total annual openings. This occupation experienced moderate growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine TechnologyA program that prepares individuals to maintain and repair specialized farm, ranch, and agribusiness power equipment and vehicles. Includes instruction in the principles of diesel, combustion, electrical, steam, hydraulic, and mechanical systems and their application to the maintenance of terrestrial and airborne crop spraying equipment; tractors and hauling equipment; planting and harvesting equipment; cutting equipment; power sources and systems for silos; irrigation and pumping equipment; dairy, feeding and, shearing operations; and processing systems.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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