Are you interested in operating and repairing small or large equipment? If so, then ag mechanics might be the concentration for you. In class, we take apart Briggs and Stratton engines, learn about the parts, and then reassemble them. Students also learn how to operate self-propelled lawn mowers as well as zero-turn mowers and string trimmers. Students also learn how to operate and maintain farm tractors. Students can practice using tractor attachments on our school farm plot. The equipment that we have is used to maintain our school farm. Many graduates who concentrate in ag mechanics go on to work as equipment operators at large farms or purse higher education at SUNY Cobleskill in New York or Lincoln Tech.
The courses offered in this concentration to juniors and seniors are:
Small Engines
This course will explore the theory and development of two and four cycle internal combustion engines and their applications to equipment such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, weed whackers, log splitters. Students will have the opportunity to diagnosis and repair engines and equipment.
Large Equipment
Students learn about large pieces of agricultural equipment as well as maintenance and repair techniques. Students also learn about alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel and how to make it. Agricultural farming processes are practiced to gain experience with large equipment.
Agricultural Fabrication
Agricultural Fabrication allows the student to advance their knowledge of mechanical processes as they relate to the areas of agricultural mechanics. Areas to be explored include tool making and maintenance, carpentry, planning/design, roofing, and welding. An emphasis will be placed on the development of orderly and safe lab procedures for many practical skills that will be developed.
Agricultural Maintenance
Agricultural Maintenance allows the student to advance their knowledge of infrastructure maintenance as they relate to the areas of agricultural mechanics. Students will advance their knowledge in electricity and will be able to wire a building. Plumbing and masonry will also be taught. An emphasis will be placed on the development of orderly and safe lab procedures for many practical skills that will be developed.
Turf Management
This course is designed for those students who have an interest in the plant science field as Landscapers, Nurserymen, and Grounds Maintenance Technicians. Students will maintain landscaping equipment, tend to the grounds, and study turf management principles. Hands-on activities include equipment maintenance, landscape design and installation, and lawn maintenance.
Principles of Landscape Design
The course acquaints the student with basic skills in plant identification, nursery crop production, landscape equipment safety, and operation, plus an introduction to landscape design. This course is designed for those students who have an interest in the plant science field as Landscapers, Nurserymen, and Grounds Maintenance Technicians. Students will learn how to price out jobs and management of both landscaping and nursery businesses, how to design and build different landscape features such as gardens, irrigation systems, and hardscapes, using hand drawing and computer design software.
Possible Career Opportunities include:
- Landscaper
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Diesel Mechanic
- Construction Worker
- Welder
