Requirements January 1998 until January 2009

1. List 10 common tools found in a well-equipped farm shop and explain how to safety use each one.

2. Do the following:

(a) List ten safety devices in a well-equipped farm shop and explain the function of each.
(b) Demonstrate proper safety apparel and equipment to be worn and used when operating a grinder, wire-brush wheel, welder, or drill.
(c) Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out mandatory safety devices and features in the shop.

3. Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

(a) Diesel engine
(b) Hydraulic system
(c) Transmission or any other power system

4. Do TWO of the following:

(a) Replace the handle of any tool found on the farm.
(b) Build a tool rack with storage for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.
(c) Properly grind the mushroom head off a chisel or punch.
(d) Correctly grind or file a screwdriver tip.

5. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Make the necessary adjustments to ready a piece of farm equipment or machinery for field operation.
(b) Choose a piece of farm machinery or equipment.  Check all nuts, bolts, and screws.  Tighten any that are loose.  Replace those that are missing, worn, or damaged.
(c) Repair broken or worn farm machinery or equipment.

6. Make a list of safety precautions for adjustments or repairs you make for requirement 5.

7. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Do the following on an engine-powered machine: grease all fittings, change oil and oil filter, clean air cleaner, flush cooling system, clean radiator fins, replace diesel fuel filters.
(b) With any farm machine, do a daily service check for filed use. (Do things needed for best field performance.)
(c) Prepare any farm machine for winter.

8. Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer technician or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance.  Ask why it is important.  What are the costs?  What happens that causes wear or damage?  Report what you discovered?

9. Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:

(a) Tightening hydraulic fittings
(b) Servicing spark plugs
(c) Lubricating a cluch-release bearing
(d) Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel

Requirements January 2009 until Current

1. Do the following:

(a) Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing farm equipment. Uses equipment, tools, and/or clothing (when needed or called for) in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.
(b) Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out the shop’s mandatory safety devices and features.
(c) Find all the universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment and explain what they mean.
(d) Describe what a material safety data sheet (MSDS) is and tell why it is used. Obtain the MSDS for any engine coolant, oil, grease, fuel, hydraulic or transmission fluid, or other flammable or hazardous materials you use in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.

2. Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

(a) Diesel engine
(b) Hydraulic system
(c) Transmission or any other power system

3. Do TWO of the following:

(a) Replace the handle of any tool found on the farm.
(b) Organize a tool rack or a storage system for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.
(c) If using a hand file, probably dress the mushroomed head of a chisel or punch.
(d) Using a hand file, correctly dress a screwdriver tip.

4. Do ONE of the following:

(a) On an engine powered machine: Grease all fittings, change the oil and oil filter, clean the air filter, clean the radiator fins, and replace the fuel filters.
(b) For any engine powered machine, create a preoperational checklist; include checking the engine coolant, engine oil, hydraulic and/or transmission fluid, and battery voltage (using a volt meter). Using your checklist, conduct a preoperational check of that machinery or equipment.
(c) Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.

5. Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer technician or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance. Ask why it is important, the cost, and what causes wear or damage. Report what you learn.

6. Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:

(a) Tightening hydraulic fittings
(b) Checking the air filter
(c) Cleaning a workpiece with a wire-brush wheel

7. Find out about three career opportunities in Farm mechanics. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.