What Does a Farm Equipment Mechanic Do?

Farm Equipment Mechanics repair, overhaul and maintain a variety of agricultural equipment such as tractors, tillage, seeding and harvesting equipment.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Repairing and servicing engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems and electrical and electronic systems in agricultural equipment
  • Diagnosing and fixing problems with equipment
  • Communicating with customers, owners and service managers
  • Using hand and power tools as well as various testing equipment to check systems
  • Keeping up with changes in technology affecting agricultural equipment

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

You should preferably complete Grade 12 with a secondary school diploma, with credits in Math, English and Science, as well as technical credits in electrical systems or mechanical repair. You must complete an apprenticeship of @9000 hours, a combination of on-the-job and in-school training prior to writing an examination for your Certificate of Qualification.

What’s Your Future as a Farm Equipment Mechanic?

Farm Equipment Mechanics usually work full-time, many hours during peak season when the equipment is particularly needed, and may specialize in a particular area such as fuel injection pumps, engine overhaul, hydraulic systems or in specific types of equipment. Farm Equipment Mechanics share many of the same skills as Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics. Employers who hire Farm Equipment Mechanics include:

  • Farm Equipment Dealers
  • Rental and Service companies
  • Farm equipment Operators
  • Farm equipment Manufacturers
  • Self-employed

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices earn less than fully qualified journey people
  • As your skills and expertise increase, so does your wage
  • The Journeyperson wage varies from $16-25/hour

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Farm Equipment Mechanic For You?

Do you enjoy working with your hands using a variety of hand and power tools?

Yes      No

Do you have good vision and hearing to diagnose engine problems?

Yes      No

Do you have the stamina and strength to work with heavy equipment in cramped or awkward positions?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working independently or as a part of a team?

Yes      No

Do you like to diagnose problems and find solutions?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Do you like tinkering with machinery?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Farm Equipment Mechanic may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Motor Vehicle Body Repairer