Hudson Valley Farm Hub's Farm Mechanic Basics Program

Hudson Valley Farm Hub's
Farm Mechanic
Basics Program

Our vision is to increase professional development around farm mechanization so that farmers and other agricultural workers can make their farms more efficient, scale up if desired, make expensive equipment last, be safe in a dangerous profession, and save money.

Registration for the 2024 Program is now closed.

Program description:
Hudson Valley Farm Hub’s Farm Mechanic Basics program offers hands-on experience with agricultural mechanics in our state-of-the-art machine shop through 10 day-long sessions intended for farmers and other agricultural workers. An in-depth look at tractors and implements, you will understand the parts and systems of tractors, and gain experience diagnosing problems, conducting maintenance and performing basic repairs on farm equipment.
Topics covered will include:

Tractor Operation (optional for those with operation experience, required for those without operation experience)
Review the basics of tractor safety, operation, and parts and have time for hands-on individual driving practice, one on one with an instructor, so that all participants are on the same basic level.

Shop Safety, Set-up, Tools, & Supplies
This introductory session will cover safety, PPE (personal protective equipment) and and we’ll do a walk-through tour of the Shop. We’ll also discuss the essentials of a farm equipment toolbox and practice using some of the tools in hands-on stations.

Systems and Parts of the Tractor
This session will take an in depth look at the heart of the tractor: the engine. We will cover parts of the tractor, how they function in a system, and build a tractor vocabulary together.

Small Engines
Understand the function, parts and maintenance of small engines (two and four stroke engines). This class will include some hands-on practice with small engines.

Service and Maintenance
These two project-based sessions will rotate participants through a series of common maintenance and service tasks.  We will complete an engine oil change, fuel filter change, hydraulic filter change, as well as learn how to complete yearly maintenance on a tractor.

Troubleshooting and Basic Repair
This project-based session will build a framework to diagnose tractor problems and provide hands-on practice with the most common fixes for tractors.

Implements
Understand the most common tractor implements, their functions, and how to service their many parts. We’ll do a farm walk to look at some of 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
Review what you’ve learned by practicing services and repairs with the option of working on your own equipment. Also, learn when you need to call for help with a repair.

Review the basics of tractor safety, operation, and parts and have time for hands-on individual driving practice, one on one with an instructor, so that all participants are on the same basic level.

This introductory session will cover safety, PPE (personal protective equipment) and and we’ll do a walk-through tour of the Shop. We’ll also discuss the essentials of a farm equipment toolbox and practice using some of the tools in hands-on stations.

This session will take an in depth look at the heart of the tractor: the engine. We will cover parts of the tractor, how they function in a system, and build a tractor vocabulary together.

Understand the function, parts and maintenance of small engines (two and four stroke engines). This class will include some hands-on practice with small engines.

These two project-based sessions will rotate participants through a series of common maintenance and service tasks.  We will complete an engine oil change, fuel filter change, hydraulic filter change, as well as learn how to complete yearly maintenance on a tractor.

This project-based session will build a framework to diagnose tractor problems and provide hands-on practice with the most common fixes for tractors.

Understand the most common tractor implements, their functions, and how to service their many parts. We’ll do a farm walk to look at some of the various implements at our farm for vegetable and grain production. In the afternoon, we’ll service some commonly used implements in stations.

Review what you’ve learned by practicing services and repairs with the option of working on your own equipment. Also, learn when you need to call for help with a repair.

This program is for those who want to take steps toward mechanization or gain a basic understanding of agricultural mechanics. We have designed the program with beginning farmers, farm apprentices, and farmworkers in mind. You do not need prior experience with tractors and farm equipment to apply, though the program is intended for those looking to take steps toward mechanized farm work.

When

Saturday & Sunday
January 13 & 14
Tractor Intensive (operation, safety and driving practice, optional)
Saturday
January 20
Shop Safety, Tools & Supplies
Sunday
January 21
Systems & Parts of the Tractor
Saturday
January 27
Small Engines
Sunday
January 28
Service & Maintenance (1)
Saturday
February 3
Service & Maintenance (2)
Sunday
February 4
Troubleshooting & Basic Repair
Saturday
February 10
Implements
Sunday
February 11
Do It Yourself

Where

Hudson Valley Farm Hub – 1875 Hurley Mountain Road Hurley, NY 12443

Instructors

Sarah Groat, Farm Mechanic, sarahgroat.com
Jayne Henson, farmer, Transgenerational Farm
Jesus Gonzalez Negrete, Tractor Operator, Hudson Valley Farm Hub
John DiMarco, Facility Manager at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
Willis Ross, Mechanic
Other regional farm crew and farm mechanics will be guest instructors!

Cost

Attendance to the program is free, though you do need to commit to attending all sessions.  We will provide stipends to eligible participants for travel and childcare expenses.

How to apply

Applications are closed until October 2024. To be added to the open application announcement email list, add your email here