Tractor Mechanic

What is a Tractor Mechanic?

Duties    

As a tractor mechanic, you would take on the following responsibilities:

• Closely examine and listen to equipment to locate damages, defects and wear; and diagnose any abnormalities to maintain functionality.
• Reassemble machines and tractor equipment post-repairs, tests and make adjustments as required for continuous safe performance.
• Utilize hand tools like woodworking machines, welding equipment, saws, lathes or saws to replace and repair mechanical parts.
• Test different electrical components and wiring such as electrical circuits, with soldering equipment and test meters, to restore proper functioning.
• Keep detailed records of client details and calculate costs for repairs based on labor, parts used and repairs made.

Day In The Life

When there is a problem with expensive and complex farm machinery like tractors, your role is to fix the problem as soon as possible so they can go back to the field. As a tractor mechanic, you may come across a wide range of tractors that vary in size, model and make. Having a deep knowledge of popular manufacturers or specialising in a certain tractor manufacturer is expected from this role for swift solutions. Most of your days will be spend working on new and old tractors or tractor parts, where the exciting part is when an engine starts up again or the wiring runs smoothly.

You will work on job orders as they arise and closely follow manuals when in doubt of your own technical knowledge. Further, solutions are devised in consultation with the driver once the nature and extent of the malfunction or damage is closely assessed. Once the repair job is complete, the tractor mechanic is expected to drive the truck and confirm that it is ready for the road. While the comfort level is certainly more than it used to be, your job involves working with your hands and getting dirty often while assessing or repairing various tractors.

Work Schedule

The work schedule of a tractor mechanic is an estimated 40 hours per week, with possible overtime based on repair work. Sometimes, you or the repair company you work for will extend office hours just to satisfy a customer – in this case, mechanics will work for various shifts. Traditionally, tractor mechanics would spend their days in overalls but today’s modern facilities allow you to work at retail service centers as part of an organised team supplied by farm equipment retailers. The indoor work conditions are well-lit with good ventilation. There are rare moments when you will travel to take a look at a client’s vehicle, and perform tasks that expose you to outside weather conditions.

Growth Of The Job

Jobs in the heavy vehicle and mobile equipment industry are expected to rise by 5% from 2014 to 2024, the average rate for most occupations. Enough years in the mechanic industry will eventually help you to advance to more senior positions such as team leader or manager, depending on the organisation size and growth. Many tractor mechanics start their own business as a repair company or equipment deal, or they choose to take on projects independently.

Typical Employers

Tractor mechanics are hired by repair companies, tractor manufacturers and tractor equipment dealers for guidance and troubleshooting problems that arise. Some employers on the market for tractor mechanics include The Andersons Inc., Altec Industries and Atlantic Tractor.