Topics covered will include:

Tractor Safety and Operation 

For the first class of the course, we will review the basics of tractor safety and operation.  We will go over the pre-operation checklist, the tractor’s dashboard and symbols and most importantly, dive deep into safety.  Separately, each participant will receive 2 hours of one-on-one individual tractor operation practice with an instructor.

Shop Safety, Tools, & Supplies

In this session,we will learn shop, farm, and fire safety as well as how to prevent accidents and injuries and use our bodies ergonomically. We’ll cover the essentials of a farmer’s toolbox and practice using tools in hands-on stations. 

Internal Combustion Engines: Big and Small
This session will take an in depth look at the heart of most mechanized farms: the engine. We will learn how a gasoline, 4-stroke, internal combustion engine functions and all of its systems.  We will look at the differences between the 2 stroke engine and 4 stroke engine and understand the carburetor. This class includes hands-on time with small engines.

Systems and Parts of the Tractor
We will build on our engine knowledge and learn how diesel engines and systems function. We will develop a tractor vocabulary together while identifying parts of the tractor. We will cover how tractor transmissions work and how they connect to the engine. We will start to create internal systems mapping to be able to prevent and diagnose issues. 

Service and Maintenance I and II
These two project-based sessions will rotate participants through a series of common maintenance and service tasks.  We will get practice performing an engine oil change, fuel filter change, and yearly maintenance checklist.  We will also learn how to replace tire inner tubes and plug tires. We will learn the basics of the electrical system and get practice making electrical connections.

Troubleshooting and Basic Repair
This session will build on our framework to diagnose tractor problems and provide hands-on practice with the most common fixes for tractors.  We will put our newly acquired knowledge to the test by working as a team to solve a tractor murder mystery.

Implements
On this day, we will understand the most common tractor implements, their functions, and how to service their many parts. We’ll take a farm walk to look at the various implements at our farm for vegetable and grain production. In the afternoon, we’ll service some commonly used implements in stations.

Do it Yourself
Choose your own adventure in the last session of the course.  You can put your knowledge into practice by bringing in your own equipment to repair or practice difficult mechanical tasks of your choice to build your confidence.