Every machine breaks down at some point, whether from frequent use or from being badly made. When that equipment is essential, such as on a farm, a person who can repair the machinery becomes very important. Working as a farm equipment mechanic can help keep farmers working and ensure that people have a reliable source of food.

Most farms have a variety of equipment, depending on the type of work being done. Grain farms have tractors, harvesters, and other large machinery useful for working on large fields and digging up soil. Dairy farms might have equipment for milking cattle, and egg farms would have different types of equipment. For each of them, however, having equipment that functions well is important.

Farm equipment mechanics work to make sure that the equipment works as well as possible. They inspect the machinery and maintain it by cleaning it, oiling the moving parts, and doing whatever else is necessary. At least once a season, many farm equipment mechanics do a thorough overhaul of everything to find any issues that might cause problems in the future. They might tighten bolts and deal with rusty parts or any other potential problems.

Sometimes, farm equipment mechanics need to take machines apart to find the problem. Then they can replace or repair faulty parts, using welding machines, hand tools, or other equipment. Being able to put the machine together again is also very important so that the farm workers can use it again. Having a good memory and being methodical can help avoid the problem of having an extra piece left over at the end. Mechanics might also need to drive large machines to a barn or other repair facility. Having expert driving skills is helpful for this task.

A high school diploma or equivalent is normally the minimum requirement for farm equipment mechanics. Being able to communicate is important, and so English classes are helpful. Any courses in mechanics or even in physics could also be helpful. Taking classes at a technical college could give workers an advantage in looking for work.

Jobs for farm equipment mechanics are normally located in the country or in small towns near farms. Wages for people in this trade start at about $19 per hour or $33,000 per year and can rise to $31 per hour or $66,000 per year. Some people might choose to become experts in certain types of equipment, but others might prefer to deal with any type of machine that they can.

Like many other trades, the job of farm equipment mechanic can be physically demanding, especially when people bend over machines for hours at a time. The work can be dirty, as moving parts in machines require oil to keep them moving properly. Testing the machines to see if they are working can also be loud, and the repair shops can be dusty and hot. However, the work can be rewarding for people who enjoy putting machines together or finding solutions for mechanical problems they encounter.

A career as a farm equipment mechanic can be the right choice for people who are detail-oriented and good with their hands. If that describes you, why not consider this important trade?

Bibliography:

Career Planner.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Farm-Equipment-Mechanics.cfm.

Job Bank. “Agricultural Equipment Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/26452/ca;jsessionid=44CBD3300650D70B70C4EFAB1589BF53.jobsearch74

Payscale Canada. “Farm Equipment Mechanic Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Farm_Equipment_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate.

Salary.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://www.salary.com/research/job-description/benchmark/farm-equipment-mechanic-job-description.