COURSE COMPETENCIES FOR: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
ACTIVITY/COURSE CODES 5610, 5611
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The courses in Agricultural Mechanics are designed to qualify the student completing the courses
for job entry into farm, business, or industrial phases of agricultural mechanics or to continue
advanced training in post high school education. A combination of subject matter and activities
is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in selling, selecting,
and servicing agribusiness technical equipment and facilities, including computers, specialized
software, power units, machinery equipment, structures and utilities.
Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with agricultural power units; the
planning and selection of materials for the construction of agricultural facilities; the mechanical
practices associated with irrigation and water conservation; erosion control; metal fabrication;
data processing systems; participating in personal and community leadership development
activities; planning and implementing a relevant school-to-work transition experience; and
participating in FFA activities. This is a list of core competencies to be completed in two years
by each student enrolled in these courses. The teacher may select additional competencies based
on a local needs assessment.
This is a list of core competencies to be completed in two years by each student enrolled in these
courses. The teacher may select additional competencies based on a local needs assessment.
OBJECTIVE:
Given the necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities, the student, upon completion of
the prescribed number of instructional hours, will be able to successfully complete the
following core competencies.
Credit: 1/2 - 1 - 2 units
RESOURCES
Burke, Stanley, and T. J. Wakeman, Modern Agricultural Mechanics. Danville, Illinois: The
Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc., 1992.
Cooper, Elmer L., Agricultural Mechanics, Fundamentals and Applications, 3d edition. Delmar
Publishers, Albany, New York, 1996.
Johnson, Donald M., and D. E. Lawver, Mechanical Technology in Agriculture, The Interstate
Printers and Publishers, Inc., Danville, Illinois, 1995.
Newman, Michael E., Computer Applications in Agriculture and Agribusiness, The Interstate
Printers and Publishers, Inc., Danville, Illinois, 1994.
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COURSE COMPETENCIES FOR: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
Phipps, Lloyd J., and C. L. Reynolds, Mechanics in Agriculture. The Interstate Printers and
Publishers, Inc., Danville, Illinois, 1992.
Richter, Herbert P., and W. Creighton Schwan, Practical Electrical Wiring, latest edition.
McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Scheck, Practical Welding. Glencoe Publishing Co., latest edition.
Schuster, William A., Small Engine Technology, Delmar Publishers, Inc., Albany, New York,
1993.
Service and Repair Instructions for Single Cylinder 4-Cycle Engine. Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Briggs & Stratton Corp., latest edition.
Revision date 7/1/2000
COMPETENCY LIST
A. ORIENTATION TO AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
1. Define agricultural mechanics.
2. Identify educational opportunities available to students preparing for careers in
agricultural mechanics.
3. List 10 general safety practices in the laboratory
4. Identify and demonstrate the use of general safety equipment
B. OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
1. Identify three agribusinesses in the community that have jobs that require competencies in
agriculture.
C. METALS FABRICATION
2. Identify the terms used in electric welding.
3. List four examples to illustrate the use of an electric welder.
4. List five safety practices to follow in welding.
5. Select the correct welding joint for the job being done.
6. Identify four types of welding joints.
7. Perform a fillet weld with an electric arc welder.
8. List three types of electric arc welding machines.
9. Match gas welding terms with their appropriate definitions.
10. Identify the parts of the gas welder, and explain the functions of each.
11. State safety precautions for handling gas welding equipment.
12. Attach regulators and hoses to welder.
13. List in proper sequence the steps for setting pressure, lighting the torch, and adjusting a
neutral flame.
14. Heat a piece of metal with the oxyacetylene welder, and bend it into a given shape.
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COURSE COMPETENCIES FOR: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
15. Demonstrate in proper sequence the steps for turning off the flame and removing all
pressure from gauges.
16. Attach and adjust a cutting torch or cutting attachment, and cut a piece of metal with the
cutting torch.
17. Describe the plasma arc cutting process.
18. Demonstrate ability to properly adjust a MIG welder.
19. Make fillet welds in flat position.
20. Make fillet welds in horizontal and vertical positions.
D. HOT AND COLD METAL WORKING
1. State safety hazards for metal work.
2. Identify three types of threads.
3. Demonstrate the correct procedures for applying threads to bolts, pipe, and holes.
4. Identify the tools necessary for applying threads to bolts, pipe, and holes.
5. Layout and mark material to be drilled.
6. Drill a hole in a piece of metal to specification.
7. Demonstrate, using a grinder and hand files, how to shape metal.
8. Select the proper metal cutting blade.
9. Demonstrate correct procedures in cutting metal with a hand hacksaw.
E. AGRICULTURAL POWER AND MACHINERY
1. List and define the terms internal combustion, external combustion, cycle, stroke, twocycle, two-stroke cycle, four-stroke cycle, compression, compression-ratios, power, work,
horsepower, and torque.
2. Identify different types of internal and external combustion engines.
3. Name and describe the strokes of a four-stroke cycle engine.
4. Name the relationship among the valves, pistons, and ignition system of a four-stroke
spark ignition system.
5. List and define the applications of both two- and four-cycle engines.
6. Identify basic engine parts.
7. Locate interpret engine specifications in service manual or chart.
8. Locate parts numbers in a parts manual.
9. Assemble basic engine components.
10. Demonstrate the proper use of the following measurement tools: micrometer, caliper,
torque wrench
11. Troubleshoot engines.
F. AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES
1. Identify basic structure components.
2. Identify basic carpentry hand tools.
3. Demonstrate the proper use of basic carpentry hand tools.
4. Identify and match power woodworking tools with their proper functions.
5. Demonstrate the proper uses of basic power woodworking tools.
6. State the specific safety rules for each hand and power woodworking tool.
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COURSE COMPETENCIES FOR: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
7. Demonstrate the correct use of a framing square by laying out a common rafter and a stair
stringer.
G. AGRICULTURAL ELECTRIFICATION
1. Identify electrical hazards, and explain the importance of safety practices.
2. Name and define electrical terms.
3. Identify the components of a wiring system.
4. Plan a wiring system and calculate needs.
5. Wire single pole switch in a light circuit.
6. Wire light circuit and duplex receptacle circuit from service panel.
7. Wire two three-way switches in a light circuit.
8. List reasons for grounding electrical devices.
9. Demonstrate four commonly used wire splices.
10. Identify common uses of electric motors
11. Differentiate between common types of electric motors
12. Interpret name plate data on an electric motor
13. Plan a simple wiring plan and calculate voltage and amperage requirements
H. PLUMBING AND IRRIGATION
1. Identify basic components of a plastic, copper or galvanized metal plumbing system.
2. Properly join basic plumbing components.
3. Plan a major component system from the water supply to the use.
I. LEADERSHIP/COMMUNICATION/FFA
1. Lead a group discussion for five minutes.
2. Identify qualities of successful leaders.
3. Explain the relationship between communication and leadership.
4. Identify three suggestions for improving each of the following skills: listening, reading,
writing, and speaking.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Creed.
6. Handle a customer complaint
7. Demonstrate good interview skills
8. Explain the importance of communications in the workplace
9. Demonstrate a technical writing project.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of history, activities, and purposes of FFA.
11. Identify the basic principles of public speaking.
12. Demonstrate the basic procedures of parliamentary procedure.
13. Conduct a simulated meeting.
14. Identify the functions and purposes of a business team.
15. List the basic steps in problem solving/decision making.
16. Identify the major reasons for setting goals.
17. Identify the steps in developing a positive self-concept.
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COURSE COMPETENCIES FOR: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS
SUPPLEMENTAL COMPETENCIES
Metals
1. Demonstrate the ability to properly setup and adjust a TIG welder
2. Perform a fillet weld using a TIG welder in the flat position
Hydraulics
1. Service hydraulic filters.
2. Troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
3. Identify components of a hydraulic system.
Electric Motors
1. Reverse the direction of an electric motor
2. Change the voltage wiring of an electric motor
3. Install a common control on an electric motor
All Terrain Vehicles
1. Identify the proper use of a particular ATV
2. Demonstrate the safe operation of an ATV
3. Perform normal maintenance
Surveying
1. Demonstrate the proper use of a GPS
2. Demonstrate the proper use of a transit
Operator and Maintenance
1. Demonstrate the safety procedures associated with the operation of farm equipment
2. Interpret and apply the technical data from the owners manual
Irrigation:
1. Install an irrigation system
Masonry
2. Identify the components of concrete.
3. Demonstate the correct procedure of lay block or brick
4. Calculate quantities of concrete required to complete a given project.
Fencing
1. Construct a farm fence
2. Plan a farm project
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