Learn farm equipment safety, engine power systems, diesel engines, hydraulics, maintenance procedures, and hands-on tool repair skills to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Farm Shop Safety

    Do the following:

    Do all
    1. a.

      Safety Equipment & Clothing

      Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing farm equipment. Use this equipment, tools, and/or clothing (when needed or called for) in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.
    2. b.

      Design a Safe Farm Shop

      Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out the shop’s mandatory safety devices and features.
    3. c.

      Safety Symbols & Warnings

      Find all the universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment and explain what they mean.
    4. d.

      Safety Data Sheets

      Describe what a safety data sheet (SDS) is and tell why it is used. Obtain the SDS for any engine coolant, oil, grease, fuel, hydraulic or transmission fluid, or other flammable or hazardous materials you use in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.

  2. 2. Understanding Farm Power Systems

    Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

    Do all
    1. a Diesel engine
    2. b Hydraulic system
    3. c Transmission or any other power system

  3. 3. Tool Maintenance Essentials

    Tool Maintenance Skills

    Choose 2
    Do TWO of the following:

    1. Replace the handle of any tool found on the farm.

    2. Organize a tool rack or a storage system for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.

    3. Using a hand file, properly dress the mushroomed head of a chisel or punch.

    4. Using a hand file, correctly dress a screwdriver tip.

  4. 4. Equipment Service Maintenance

    Equipment Maintenance Tasks

    Choose 1
    Do ONE of the following:

    1. On an engine-powered machine: Grease all fittings, change the oil and oil filter, clean the air filter, clean the radiator fins, and replace the fuel filters.

    2. For any engine-powered machine, create a preoperational checklist; include checking the engine coolant, engine oil, hydraulic and/or transmission fluid, and battery voltage (using a voltmeter). Using your checklist, conduct a preoperational check of that machinery or equipment.

    3. Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.

  5. 5. Keeping Equipment Running

    Interview an Implement Dealer

    Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer technician or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance. Ask why it is important, the costs, and what causes wear or damage. Report what you learn.

  6. 5. Keeping Equipment Running

    Maintenance Procedures

    Choose 1
    Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:

    1. Tightening hydraulic fittings.

    2. Checking the air filter.

    3. Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel.

  7. 7. Careers & Beyond

    Careers in Farm Mechanics

    Find out about three career opportunities in farm mechanics. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.