Major Work Activity H - Diagnoses and repairs agricultural equipment

Table of contents

• Task H-22 Prepares agricultural equipment
  • H-22.01 Performs assembly and pre-delivery adjustments on agricultural equipment
  • H-22.02 Performs preparation and installation of agricultural equipment
  • H-22.03 Installs precision farming equipment
• Task H-23 Diagnoses precision farming equipment
  • H-23.01 Diagnoses precision farming equipment on site
  • H-23.02 Diagnoses precision farming equipment remotely
• Task H-24 Repairs precision farming equipment
  • H-24.01 Repairs precision farming equipment on site
  • H-24.02 Repairs precision farming equipment remotely
• Task H-25 Diagnoses land preparation, tillage and seeding/planting equipment
  • H-25.01 Diagnoses land preparation and tillage equipment
  • H-25.02 Diagnoses seeding and planting equipment
• Task H-26 Repairs land preparation, tillage and seeding/planting equipment
  • H-26.01 Repairs land preparation and tillage equipment
  • H-26.02 Repairs seeding and planting equipment
• Task H-27 Diagnoses harvesting, hay and forage equipment
  • H-27.01 Diagnoses cutting, conditioning, gathering and processing equipment
  • H-27.02 Diagnoses material handling equipment
• Task H-28 Repairs harvesting, hay and forage equipment
  • H-28.01 Repairs cutting, conditioning, gathering and processing equipment
  • H-28.02 Repairs material handling equipment
• Task H-29 Diagnoses application and irrigation equipment
  • H-29.01 Diagnoses application equipment
  • H-29.02 Diagnoses irrigation equipment
• Task H-30 Repairs application and irrigation equipment
  • H-30.01 Repairs application equipment
  • H-30.02 Repairs irrigation equipment

Task H-22 Prepares agricultural equipment

Task descriptor

Agricultural equipment technicians assemble and install agricultural and precision farming equipment according to manufacturers’ specifications. They adjust the equipment to fit the use and operating need of the customer.

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: lifting equipment, power tools, hand tools
• components include: loaders, three-point hitches, air packages, hydraulic accessories, power take-off (PTO) drivelines
• implements include: balers, headers, seeding and tillage equipment, rakes
• performance includes: horsepower, torque, hydraulics pressure and flow, RPM

Range of variables

• agricultural equipment include: combines, tractors, swather units, sprayers (towed, high-clearance), forage harvesters, seeding equipment
• components include: loaders, three-point hitches, air packages, hydraulic accessories, power take-off (PTO) drivelines
• implements include: balers, headers, seeding and tillage equipment, rakes
• classes of drive lines include: 540, 1000 RPM
• tools and equipment include: lifting equipment, power tools, hand tools
• performance includes: horsepower, torque, hydraulics pressure and flow, RPM

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• agricultural equipment includes: combines, tractors, swather units, sprayers (towed, high-clearance), forage harvesters, seeding equipment
• products and methods include: using disinfectants and sanitizers, using pressure washer, using backpack blower
• prepare agricultural equipment includes: release hydraulic pressure and spring tension, support weight, verify zero energy state
• methods include: cleaning, grinding, buffing, using chemicals
• implements include: balers, headers, mowers, seeding tools, tillage tools
• components include: loaders, three-point hitches, air packages
• accessories include: monitor, electronic devices, optional packages, crop dividers
• performance includes: horsepower, torque, hydraulics pressure and flow, RPM (sickle-speed, drum speed, fan speed, shaft speed)

Range of variables

• agricultural equipment includes: combines, tractors, swather units, sprayers (towed, high-clearance), forage harvesters, seeding equipment
• components include: loaders, three-point hitches, air packages
• implements include: balers, headers, mowers, seeding tools, tillage tools
• accessories include: monitor, electronic devices, optional packages, crop dividers
• classes of drive lines include: 540, 1000 RPM
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• performance includes: horsepower, torque, hydraulics pressure and flow, RPM (sickle-speed, drum speed, fan speed, shaft speed)

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• components and accessories include: receivers, displays, sensors, control units, antenna, wiring harnesses
• operational includes: communicating online, operator inputs are functioning, GNSS functioning (Global Positioning System [GPS], GLONASS [Russian satellite system], Galileo)

Range of variables

• components and accessories include: receivers, displays, sensors, control units, antenna, wiring harnesses
• advantages include: increased productivity, efficiency, traceability and accountability
• agronomic data includes: yield maps, weather maps, soil conductivity, soil testing, prescriptions
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• regulations include: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

Task H-23 Diagnoses precision farming equipment

Task descriptor

Precision farming equipment is a system that allows the operator to guide and control equipment, map an area, vary rates, eliminate overlaps or misses, to maximize yields and efficiency. The equipment includes a GNSS, yield monitors, moisture meters, mobile weather station applications and guided steering. Agricultural equipment technicians diagnose precision farming equipment to identify failures and faults on site and remotely.

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: product rate control issues, auto-guidance systems not working, inconsistent communication/data transfer
• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communication devices, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antennas
• faults include: corrosion, burnt components, broken wire connections, damaged harnesses
• diagnostics include: circuit tests, component tests, communication tests, data recordings, service code diagnostics, software compatibility, software updates, network configurations
• components (removed for access) include: panels, seats, roof, shields
• tools and testing equipment include: multimeters, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), onboard diagnostic systems, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• symptoms include: service code, sensory observation
• required actions include: repairing, downloading software, replacing components, reconfiguring components

Range of variables

• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communication devices, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antennas
• tools and testing equipment include: multimeters, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), onboard diagnostic systems, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• diagnostics include: circuit tests, component tests, communication tests, data recordings, service code diagnostics, software compatibility, software updates, network configurations
• faults include: corrosion, burnt components, broken wire connections, damaged harnesses
• diagnostic resources include: technical manual, manufacturer technical assistance

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: product rate control issues, auto-guidance systems not working, inconsistent communication/data transfer
• issues include: settings, configuration, signal strengths, in-range faults, tolerance stack-up, operating parameters
• electronic devices include: laptops, smart phones, tablets
• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communication devices, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antenna
• faults include: corrosion, burnt components, broken wire connections, damaged harnesses
• diagnostics include: communication tests, data recordings, service code diagnostics, software compatibility, software updates, network configurations
• required actions include: repairing, downloading software, replacing components, reconfiguring components, ensuring equipment necessary for repairs is available or ordered

Range of variables

• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communication devices, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antenna
• electronic devices include: laptops, smart phones, tablets
• diagnostics include: communication tests, data recordings, service code diagnostics, software compatibility, software updates, network configurations
• faults include: corrosion, burnt components, broken wire connections, damaged harnesses
• diagnostic resources include: technical manual, manufacturer technical assistance

Task H-24 Repairs precision farming equipment

Task descriptor

Precision farming equipment is a system that allows the operator to guide and control equipment, map an area, vary rates, eliminate overlaps or misses, to maximize yields and efficiency. The equipment includes a GNSS, yield monitors, moisture meters, mobile weather station applications and guided steering.

Agricultural equipment technicians repair and adjust precision farming equipment on site and remotely according to customer needs and preferences. The technician must perform repairs to optimize the performance of the equipment and to minimize operational costs and down time for the customer.

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: multimeters, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), onboard diagnostic systems, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• components and accessories (to be removed and reinstalled) include: roof, panels, shields, seats
• components and accessories (to be replaced) include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communications, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antennas
• components and accessories (to be reprogrammed and recalibrated) include: controllers, power modules, displays, printed circuit boards, sensors, receivers, telematics communications

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: multimeters, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), onboard diagnostic systems, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, telematics communications, controllers, printed circuit boards, sensors, wiring, power modules, switches, grounds, terminators, receivers, displays, antennas

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems
• components and accessories (to be removed and reinstalled) include: roof, panels, shields, seats, displays, antennas
• components and accessories (to be replaced) include: batteries, fuses, relays, grounds, terminators, receivers, antennas, displays, sensors
• components and accessories (to be reprogrammed and updated) include: controllers, power modules, displays, receivers, telematics communications

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems
• components and accessories include: batteries, fuses, relays, grounds, terminators, receivers, antennas, displays, sensors, controllers, power modules, telematics communications

Task H-25 Diagnoses land preparation, tillage and seeding/planting equipment

Task descriptor

Farming practices, soil conditions and crop selection affect land preparation and tillage implements and seeding/planting requirements. Agricultural equipment technicians must understand these conditions, as well as the implement characteristics, to be able to diagnose failures. Visual acuity is important for both alignment and levelling of the equipment. Technicians must be up to date on the latest developments of seeding and tillage practices.

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: depth control issues, tracking issues, field finish incorrect
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, diagnostic tools and equipment
• components include: actuators, frames, linkages, ground engaging tools or points, sensors, wiring harnesses
• faults include: leaks, missing or damaged components, manufacturer defects
• required actions include: repair; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• land preparation and tillage equipment include: cultivators, sub-soilers, discs
• components include: actuators, frames, linkages, ground engaging tools or points, sensors, wiring harnesses
• types of depth control systems include: hydraulic, electrical, mechanical
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, diagnostic tools and equipment
• faults include: leaks, missing or damaged components, manufacturer defects

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: seed and fertilizer placement (depth and spacing) issues
• components include: hoses, clutches, metering devices, ground engaging tools or points
• faults include: leaks, missing or damaged components, manufacturer defects
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, diagnostic tools, gauges, multimeters
• sensors are: analog and digital (e.g., air velocity, speed, bin level)
• pressures include: tire, hydraulic, vacuum, airflow
• required actions include: repair; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• seeding and planting equipment include: volumetric metering, singulation metering, drills, row crop planters, air drills, planters, broadcast spreaders
• components include: hoses, clutches, metering devices, ground engaging tools or points
• types of packers include: rubber, steel
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, diagnostic tools, gauges, multimeters
• faults include: leaks, missing or damaged components, manufacturer defects

Task H-26 Repairs land preparation, tillage and seeding/planting equipment

Task descriptor

Agricultural equipment technicians repair and adjust tillage and seeding/planting equipment to minimize operational cost and optimize performance of the equipment, depending on soil conditions and crop type, and according to customer needs and preferences.

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools
• components (to be removed, locked out and reinstalled) include: actuators, linkages, shields
• components include: bearings, shafts, ground engaging tools or points, sensors, wiring harnesses

Range of variables

• land preparation and tillage equipment include: cultivators, high-speed discs, breaking discs, sub-soilers
• components include: bearings, shafts, ground engaging tools or points, sensors, wiring harnesses
• types of packers include: rubber, steel
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools
• components (to be removed, locked out and reinstalled) include: actuators, linkages, shields
• types of depth control systems include: hydraulic, electrical, mechanical

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools
• components (removed for access) include: covers, shields
• metering parts include: metering wheels, metering rolls, augers, planter discs, variable rate drives
• metering components include: bearings, brushes, bushings, scrapers
• seed bed preparation and finishing wear items include: packers, ground engaging tools or points
• sensors include: velocity, speed, rate, pressure, force

Range of variables

• seeding and planting equipment include: air drills, planters, broadcast spreaders
• metering parts include: metering wheels, metering rolls, augers, planter discs, variable rate drives
• metering components include: bearings, brushes, bushings, scrapers
• types of packers include: rubber, steel
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools
• types of depth control systems include: hydraulic, electrical, mechanical
• hazards include: seed treatments, pesticides, fertilizers

Task H-27 Diagnoses harvesting, hay and forage equipment

Task descriptor

Harvesting, hay and forage equipment collects, processes and delivers crops and products. To improve the operation and functioning of the equipment, agricultural equipment technicians should understand the principles of harvesting, hay and forage equipment.

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: condition of cut, condition of crimp, material loss, material flow, bunching, sensory observed symptoms (vibration, noise, burnt smell, excess heat), under threshing, over threshing, grain damage, separation losses, cleaning shoe losses, clean grain sample
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• components include: rollers, knives, threshing elements, tines, belts, drive lines, bearings
• faults include: wear, damage, misalignment, abnormal noises
• components (removed for access) include: shields, drive lines, panels
• required actions include: repair; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• cutting, conditioning, gathering and processing equipment include: cutting and conditioning equipment (sickles, rotary discs, rollers, flails); gathering equipment (balers, headers [draper, pickup, auger, flex, rigid, row crop], forage harvesters, grain carts); processing equipment (combines, feeders, dryers, mixers)
• components include: rollers, knives, threshing elements, tines, belts, drive lines, bearings
• productivity monitoring systems include: moisture, protein, yield, weight
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• faults include: wear, damage, misalignment, abnormal noises

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: material loss, material flow, sensory observed symptoms (vibration, noises, burnt smell, excess heat)
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• components include: rollers, knives, belts, drive lines, bearings, chains
• faults include: wear, damage, misalignment, abnormal noise
• components (removed for access) include: shields, covers, belts, panels
• required actions include: repairs; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• material handling equipment includes: grain carts, high-dump wagons, manure spreader, grain auger, conveyors, mix wagons, hay transport equipment
• components include: rollers, knives, belts, drive lines, bearings, chains
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• faults include: wear, damage, misalignment, abnormal noise

Task H-28 Repairs harvesting, hay and forage equipment

Task descriptor

Agricultural equipment technicians adjust harvesting, hay and forage equipment according to customer needs and preferences. The technician must perform repairs to optimize the performance of the equipment and to minimize operational costs and down time for the customer.

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• components (removed for access) include: shields, drive lines, panels
• components (to be replaced) include: bearings, belts, threshing elements, drivelines, chains, knives, kernel processor
• components (to be reconditioned) include: gear cases, rollers, knives, threshing elements, guards, clutches (slip, drive)
• components (to be aligned or adjusted) include: knife and finger timing, belt and chain tension, drive sheaves (variable speed, hydraulic, electric), kernel processor

Range of variables

• cutting, conditioning, gathering and processing equipment include: cutting and conditioning equipment (sickles, rotary discs, rollers, flails); gathering equipment (balers, headers [draper, pickup, auger, flex, rigid, row crop], forage harvesters, grain carts); processing equipment (combines, feeders, dryers, mixers)
• productivity monitoring systems include: moisture, protein, yield, weight
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• components include: bearings, belts, threshing elements, drivelines, chains, knives, kernel processor, gear cases, rollers, guards, clutches (slip, drive)

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, measuring tools
• components (to be reconditioned) include: gear cases, auger flightings, shafts, drive lines
• components (to be replaced) include: bearings, belts, chains, auger flightings, load cells, monitor
• components (to be aligned or adjusted) include: bearings, belts, chains, drive lines, drive sheaves (variable speed, hydraulic, electric)

Range of variables

• material handling equipment includes: grain carts, high-dump wagons, manure spreaders, grain augers, conveyors, mix wagons, hay transport equipment
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, measuring tools
• components include: bearings, belts, chains, auger flightings, load cells, monitor, gear cases, shafts, drive lines, drive sheaves (variable speed, hydraulic, electric)

Task H-29 Diagnoses application and irrigation equipment

Task descriptor

Application and irrigation equipment applies product to help produce greater crop yield and lower disease. Agricultural equipment technicians diagnose application and irrigation equipment to identify failures and faults.

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: inconsistent application rates, diagnostic codes, sensory observed symptoms (vibration, noises, burnt smell, excess heat)
• components include: gear cases, flow meters, booms, drive lines, floor chains, pumps (hydraulic, hydrostatic, solution), motors (hydrostatic, solution), engines, nutrient sensors
• faults include: leaks, damage, structural deformities, cracks, damaged pumps, plugged strainers, nozzles and solenoids
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• components (removed for access) include: panels, covers, shields
• delivery rate inputs include: flow, volume, distance, weight, speed, pressure
• products include: chemical solutions, granular, organic waste
• monitor settings include: rate controller, flow meters, boom calibration, air velocity
• application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch-mounted
• wear points include: pivot points, pads, chains, sprockets
• required actions include: repairs; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch-mounted
• components include: gear cases, flow meters, booms, drive lines, floor chains, pumps (hydraulic, hydrostatic, solution), motors (hydrostatic, solution), engines, nutrient sensors
• productivity monitoring systems include: weight, product delivery rate, flow rate, boom pressure
• granular application equipment operating systems include: agitation systems, delivery chain systems, delivery rating systems
• granular application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch-mounted
• common failures of granular application equipment include: worn chains, shafts, delivery tubes and bearings
• liquid application equipment operating systems include: agitation systems, loading systems, pumps, solution tanks, solution controls, delivery rating systems
• liquid application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch-mounted
• common failures of liquid application equipment include: pumps, valves, distribution hoses and tubes, booms, nozzles
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• hazards include: hydraulic pressure and spring tension, supported weight, chemical exposure, organic waste, frost bite (anhydrous ammonia)
• faults include: leaks, damage, structural deformities, cracks, damaged pumps, plugged strainers, nozzles and solenoids

Range of variables

• symptoms of problem include: inconsistent application rates, diagnostic codes, sensory observed symptoms (vibration, noise, burnt smell, excess heat, plugged nozzles)
• components include: gear cases, pipes, nozzles, pumps, engines, irrigation lines, nutrient sensors
• faults include: leaks, plugging, deformities
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• delivery rate inputs include: flow, volume, distance, weight, speed, pressure
• required actions include: repairs; component replacement, calibration and adjustment; further diagnosis

Range of variables

• irrigation equipment include: pumps, motors, pipes, control systems
• components include: gear cases, pipes, nozzles, pumps, engines, irrigation lines, nutrient sensors
• irrigation methods include: flood, manual, wheel move, pivot
• diagnostic tools and equipment include: infrared temperature sensor, thermal imaging camera, electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets), software and apps, onboard diagnostic systems, multimeters, OEM specialty tools, hand tools, power tools
• faults include: leaks, plugging, deformities

Task H-30 Repairs application and irrigation equipment

Task descriptor

Agricultural equipment technicians adjust application and irrigation equipment to optimize performance. Technicians repair defective application and irrigation system components. They must be aware of potential hazards associated with chemicals and organic waste processed with this equipment.

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• factors include: volume, distance, speed, pressure, weight, flow
• components (to be reconditioned) include: gear cases, pumps, motors, valves, actuators, suspension, steering, sensors
• components (to be replaced) include: sprayer, sprayer nozzles, strainers, delivery tubes, sensors, manure spreaders, granular application equipment

Range of variables

• application equipment include: pull-type, self-propelled
• components include: gear cases, pumps, motors, valves, actuators, suspension, steering, sensors, sprayer, sprayer nozzles, strainers, delivery tubes, manure spreaders, granular application equipment
• productivity monitoring systems include: weight, product delivery rate, flow rate, boom pressure
• granular application equipment operating systems include: agitation systems, delivery chain systems, delivery rating systems
• granular application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch mounted
• common failures of granular application equipment include: worn chains, shafts, delivery tubes and bearings
• liquid application equipment operating systems include: agitation systems, loading systems, pumps, solution tanks, solution controls, delivery rating systems
• liquid application equipment includes: pull-type, self-propelled, hitch-mounted
• common failures of liquid application equipment include: pumps, valves, distribution hoses and tubes, booms, nozzles
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• hazards include: hydraulic pressure and spring tension, supported weight, chemical exposure, organic waste

Range of variables

• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• components (to be reconditioned) include: gear cases, pumps, motors, valves, sensors
• components (to be replaced) include: nozzles, impellers, piping, sensors

Range of variables

• irrigation equipment includes: pumps, motors, pipes, control systems
• components include: gear cases, pumps, motors, valves, sensors, nozzles, impellers, piping
• irrigation methods include: flood, manual, wheel move, pivot
• tools and equipment include: hand tools, power tools, measuring tools
• hazards include: hydraulic pressure and spring tension, supported weight, chemical exposure, organic waste

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