Agricultural Mechanics and Turf & Landscaping

Agricultural Mechanics and Turf Concentration

Are you interested in operating and repairing small or large equipment? If so, then ag mechanics might be the concentration for you! In this class, students take apart Briggs and Stratton engines, learn about the parts, and then reassemble them. You'll also gain hands-on experience operating self-propelled lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, and string trimmers, as well as maintaining farm tractors. Students practice using tractor attachments on our school farm, which is maintained with the equipment learned in class. Many graduates who concentrate in ag mechanics go on to work as equipment operators at large farms or pursue higher education at SUNY Cobleskill in New York or Lincoln Tech.

Courses Offered to Juniors and Seniors:

Small Engines
This course explores the theory and development of two- and four-cycle internal combustion engines and their applications to equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, weed whackers, and log splitters. Students will diagnose and repair engines and equipment.

Large Equipment
Students learn about large agricultural equipment, including maintenance and repair techniques. This course covers alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel and provides practical experience with agricultural farming processes.

Agricultural Fabrication
In this course, students advance their knowledge of mechanical processes related to agricultural mechanics. Areas explored include tool making and maintenance, carpentry, planning/design, roofing, and welding, with an emphasis on safe lab procedures.

Agricultural Maintenance
Students will expand their knowledge of infrastructure maintenance in agricultural mechanics, including electricity, plumbing, and masonry. This course focuses on the development of safe lab procedures for practical skills.

Turf Management
Designed for those interested in plant science, this course covers maintaining landscaping equipment, tending to grounds, and studying turf management principles. Hands-on activities include equipment maintenance, landscape design, installation, and lawn care.

Principles of Landscape Design
This course introduces basic skills in plant identification, nursery crop production, landscape equipment safety, and operation. Students learn how to price jobs and manage landscaping and nursery businesses, as well as design and build various landscape features using hand drawing and computer design software.

Possible Career Opportunities:

• Landscaper

• Heavy Equipment Operator

• Diesel Mechanic

• Construction Worker

• Welder