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Occupation AtlasFarm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

O*NET · 49-3041.00

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

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

Also called Ag Equipment Mechanic · Ag Mechanic · Ag Service Tech · Agricultural Equipment Mechanic (Ag Equipment Mechanic) · Agricultural Mechanic (Ag Mechanic) · Agricultural Service Technician (Ag Service Tech) · Assembly Repairer · Combine Mechanic
55 more

Dairy Equipment Installer · Dairy Equipment Mechanic · Dairy Equipment Repairer · Dairy Service Tech · Dairy Service Technician (Dairy Service Tech) · Diesel Mechanic · Diesel Tech · Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech) · Electric Milkers Installer · Equipment Service Tech · Equipment Service Tech (Equipment Service Technician) · Equipment Tech · Equipment Technician (Equipment Tech) · Farm Equipment Assembler · Farm Equipment Mechanic · Farm Equipment Service Tech · Farm Equipment Service Technician (Farm Equipment Service Tech) · Farm Equipment Tech · Farm Equipment Technician (Farm Equipment Tech) · Farm Implement Mechanic · Farm Machinery Assembler · Farm Machinery Erector · Farm Machinery Mechanic · Farm Tractor Mechanic · Field Mechanic · Field Service Mechanic · Field Service Tech · Field Service Technician (Field Service Tech) · Field Tech · Field Technician (Field Tech) · Greaser · Harvester Mechanic · Implement Mechanic · Irrigation Equipment Installer · Irrigation Equipment Mechanic · Irrigation Pump Installer · Machine Mechanic · Machinery Mechanic · Mechanic · Milking Machine Mechanic · Milking System Installer · Pea Viner Mechanic · Rice Dryer Mechanic · Service Tech · Service Technician (Service Tech) · Shop Mechanic · Sprinkler Irrigation Equipment Mechanic · Tractor Mechanic · Tractor Tech · Tractor Technician (Tractor Tech) · Tractor Trailer Mechanic · Tractor Trailer Tech · Tractor Trailer Technician (Tractor Trailer Tech) · Trailer Tech · Trailer Tech (Trailer Technician)

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.30
  • I Investigative3.02
  • S Social1.30
  • E Enterprising1.08
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent43%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate52%
  • Some College Courses2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (25%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Equipment Maintenance4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Repairing4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Operation and Control3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Selection3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Active Listeningbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Analysis3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Coordination2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Installation2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Service Orientation2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Instructing2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Negotiation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Programming1.60.6

Tasks

12 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.4.6
  2. Record details of repairs made and parts used.4.5
  3. Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.4.5
  4. Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.4.5
  5. Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.4.5
  6. Clean and lubricate parts.4.5
  7. Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.4.4
  8. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.4.3
  9. Tune or overhaul engines.4.0
  10. Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.4.0
  11. Fabricate new metal parts, using drill presses, engine lathes, and other machine tools.3.6
  12. Repair bent or torn sheet metal.3.2
Show the other 2
  1. Calculate bills according to record of repairs made, labor time, and parts used.4.0
  2. Install and repair agricultural irrigation, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.76.2Level 7 looks like: Overhaul an airplane jet engine
  • Customer and Personal Service3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Engineering and Technology3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Mathematics3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Production and Processing3.02.7
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.72.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Design2.72.9
  • Administrative2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Chemistry2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Sales and Marketing2.41.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Transportation2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Education and Training2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Building and Construction1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Geography1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Public Safety and Security1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Food Production1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Communications and Media1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.5—
  • Psychology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.2—
  • Economics and Accounting1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity4.03.5Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Near Vision3.93.8
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Inductive Reasoning3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.53.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Oral Expression3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Selective Attention3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Recognition3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Static Strength3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk Strength3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Clarity3.12.9
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Depth Perception3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Reaction Time3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Response Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Wrist-Finger Speed3.02.8Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Written Expression3.02.6
  • Dynamic Strength2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Memorization2.92.8
  • Rate Control2.92.6
  • Stamina2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Sound Localization2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Number Facility2.52.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Gross Body Coordination2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Explosive Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Spatial Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Originality2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Night Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.65.6
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Getting Information4.13.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.15.9
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Thinking Creatively3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.12.8
  • Processing Information3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.02.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.92.7
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.72.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Training and Teaching Others2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.62.6
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.8
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.52.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.7
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Spend Time Standing4.4
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.3

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • FarmLogic FarmPAD
  • ServiceMax
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  2. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  3. Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
  4. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  5. Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  6. Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  7. Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  8. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  9. Millwrights
  10. Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.