Agricultural equipment technicians set up, maintain, service, diagnose, repair and recondition agricultural equipment. This equipment includes tractors and combines, as well as a variety of implements for agricultural functions such as tillage, seeding, planting, harvesting, haying, spraying and application. Agricultural equipment technicians may also work on outdoor power equipment. While they are involved in preventative maintenance, agricultural equipment technicians spend most of their time repairing malfunctioning or out of service equipment, either in the shop or in the field.
Agricultural equipment technicians must be able to service and repair gasoline and diesel engines, drive train systems and components, hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems, electrical and electronic systems, steering and braking systems, structural components, operator station and other related support systems. They also assemble and adjust new agricultural equipment, perform scheduled maintenance service such as oil changes, lubrication and tuneups, take defective units apart, and repair or replace broken, worn-out or faulty parts.
Agricultural equipment technicians may specialize in certain types of equipment or repairing one particular manufacturer's product line.
Agricultural equipment technicians must also have good communication and customer service skills, since they often interact with clients. They teach clients how to operate new equipment, discuss equipment operation, and consult with them to pinpoint problems and determine their specific needs.
Agricultural equipment technicians work in the agriculture sector for equipment manufacturers, dealerships and independent repair shops or on large farms. They can also be self-employed. The equipment they work on and the hours tend to change according to the season.
The work often requires considerable standing, climbing, crouching, balancing on equipment and heavy lifting. Technicians must be able to diagnose complex problems and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
Due to the size and complexity of the equipment, safety is of prime importance. Technicians must practice safe operating procedures and be conscious of the impact on people, equipment, work area and environment when performing their work. There is some risk of injury when working with agricultural equipment.
This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of automotive service technicians, truck and transport mechanics, heavy duty equipment technicians, small engine mechanics and welders.
With experience, agricultural equipment technicians may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to become shop supervisors, service managers, sales people or manufacturers' service representatives. Some may also open their own dealerships or businesses.
-
The Canadian Nursing Students' Association
The Canadian Nursing Students Association (CNSA) is the voice of nursing students in Canada. For over thirty years, CNSA has represented the interests of nursing students to federal, provincial, and international governments and to other nursing and health care organizations. More >
-
Automotive Painter
Automotive painters work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair. Generally, automotive painting begins when body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive painter completes include: removing exterior trim and hardware; removing... More >
-
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >
-
Carpenter
A carpenter is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge and abilities required to construct, renovate and repair institutional, commercial, industrial (I.C.I.) and residential structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials. They can work for a wide array of employers, including construction firms, building owners and... More >
-
WHAT ARE PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES REALLY LIKE?
Private career colleges are like people--each is unique. Yet, some generalizations can be made. 1. Private career colleges often specialize in several training areas. 2. Most colleges are located in the main business district of a city or town or in a nearby business area. Sometimes, these colleges are in... More >
-
Canadian Computing Competition
The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) aims to benefit secondary school students with an interest in programming. It is an opportunity for students to test their ability in designing, understanding and implementing algorithms. Details are available in the full information brochure. More >
-
Transport Trailer Technician
Transport trailer technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain and repair transport trailers connected to or moved by a power unit. Trailers include flat decks, dry freight vans, refrigerated vans, tankers, converters, boosters, jeeps, pole trailers, steering dollies, dump trailers and any other commercial pull-type units. Transport trailer technicians inspect, service and repair... More >
-
Apprenticeship Completion Grant
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant designed to encourage apprentices registered in a designated Red Seal trade to complete their apprenticeship program and receive their certification. Eligibility is retroactive to January 1, 2009. The completion grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their training,... More >