Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology

This course will introduce the student to the diesel engine and the mechanical control systems commonly used in their operation. Students will learn the design and operating principles which make diesels different from spark ignition engines and develop a diagnostic technique for working with them based on this knowledge. Internal components, wear tolerances, operating characteristics and fuel delivery systems for the common diesel engine brands utilized in the ag equipment industry will be explored. Safety practices, tool selection, component identification and failure mode analysis will be fundamental topics in this course.

Course is based around general electrical theory and the principles of DC and AC current operating in modern Agricultural Equipment. Topics to be explored include: current flow, Ohm’s law, voltage, amperage, circuit types, test equipment, symbols used in electrical diagrams, and reading and understanding electrical diagrams in technical publications. Electrical and Electronic systems and controller networks and diagnostic procedures will also be discussed.

An overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour general program is intended to provide entry-level workers with awareness of hazards in and around the work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.

Overview of computer applications with emphasis on e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation tools and Internet-based technology. This course will cover the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and cloud-based technologies such as GoogleDrive and OneDrive.

Provides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.

Students will learn comparison methods and machinery economics to make decisions about purchase vs. lease vs. custom hiring arrangements. Attention will be placed on determining the right size equipment for the job, efficiency of equipment, as well as calculating depreciation costs on equipment.

Fundamental theories of fluid dynamics and basic laws of physics governing the non-compressible nature of liquids will be the foundation of this course. Pascal’s law, Bernoulli’s principle and fluid mechanics will be explored utilizing modern hydraulic engineering trainers allowing students to build models which demonstrate the principles and theories discussed during the lecture portion of this course. Component identification, design limits of components as well as expected performance based on load, flow and pressure will be key elements of the course. Open and closed center systems will be explored in depth.

Basic information relating to traditional dry and wet clutch technologies, basic gearbox designs and hydrostatic drive systems. Basic information on all types of bearing, belts and chain drive systems. An understanding of theories relevant to bearing load capacities, horsepower limitations and drive engagement will be covered and training on diagnosis. Students will be introduced to current technology being utilized on major agricultural equipment, lawn equipment and over the road truck and trailers equipment.

Students will be able to experience firsthand the changes that have occurred within the diesel engine industry due to the advancements in microcomputer and electronics technology. HPCR (High Pressure, Common Rail) fuel systems, HEUI injectors, as well as their respective control systems, will be discussed in detail. Fuel and engine monitoring, sensor operation, variable displacement turbochargers and other factors relevant to emissions will be focal points of this course. The student will develop basic diagnostic procedures and an entry level understanding of DTC information which is fundamental to modern diesel engine failure diagnosis. At the conclusion of this course the student will have the opportunity to complete the ASE Diesel Diagnostics Certification exam.

Students will develop the skills and techniques necessary to diagnose and repair mobile automotive-style air conditioning systems found on today’s modern agricultural equipment. Theories of system operation, components and flow patterns will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to earn their mobile air conditioning service certification during this course.

Utilization of industry software and service management practices for evaluation of lab performance. Exercises related to service information dispensed in classroom sessions will be completed.

Supervised internship performed off-campus in an agricultural mechanic or service setting.

Safe handling procedures for pesticides and proper loading and mixing of crop protection products are discussed. Proper use of liquid and dry application equipment and nozzle selection will be studied.

Advanced information relating to traditional dry and wet clutch technologies as well as gearbox designs, manual transmissions, automatic transmissions and hydrostatic drive systems. Torque, axle loading, differential drive design, hydraulic controls and power transmission through torque sensing drives will be explored. An understanding of theories relevant to load bearing capacities, horsepower limitations and drive engagement will be developed. Students will be introduced to current technology being utilized by major agricultural and over the road equipment.

Students will utilize ”on-board” diagnostics systems as well as hand held equipment and laptop computers to access and diagnose DTC information from tractors and harvesting equipment. Proficiency with technical data, DVOM operation and component location and identification will be fundamental aspects of this course. Common theories and operational principles learned in previous courses relating to electrical and electronic components, their testing and circuit diagnostics will be revisited. Examples of these components would be potentiometers, hall-effect switches, thermistors, variable resistance sensors and relays. Students will develop their electrical/electronic diagnostic abilities by completing multiple activities designed to hone their critical thinking skills. This course is an active diagnostic lab course.

Students will explore the fundamentals of combine harvester operation, maintenance and repair. Basic machine wear component inspection, diagnosis and repair procedures will be the topics of study. Students will learn the basics of machine adjustments and header equipment compatibility, as well as field operation. Different types of threshing and separating systems will be explored as well as how they differ in wear and operating characteristics.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of GPS and their application in precision agriculture and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. It will cover various aspects of GPS technology, including corrections, constellations, and their primary uses in the industry, alongside essential GPS terminology and its relevance to professional practice. After building a solid foundation in GPS technology, the focus will transition to the utilization of GIS operations within the agricultural sector, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to leverage these technologies in enhancing farming efficiency and productivity.