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Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Scholarships
Requirements

Overview

careers

Service Technician
Sales
Mechanic
Service Manager
Field Technician

Diesel Power Technology: A great way to get your hands on some of today’s biggest, most automated machinery used in the agriculture industry! Students will take classes in electronic controls, GPS, introductory diesel, drive trains, hydraulics, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, harvesting equipment, service management and more to learn how to help farmers increase productivity and be more profitable.

Manufacturers are incorporating more and more technology into their new products. At the local dealer level, where equipment is sold and serviced, the demand for technicians who understand technology and have the ability to repair it in a cost-effective, timely manner is at an all-time high. This program will produce technicians who can diagnose mechanical, electronic and hydraulic problems in the complex modern equipment used on today’s farms.

Students receive hands-on training and learn applied skills such as repair, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills that are critical for this industry. As part of the program, students will also complete an internship at an ag power dealership or job site related to the program.

Career opportunities include positions like service technician, parts person, parts manager, service/warranty writer, or customer service/sales representative at an agriculture power equipment dealership.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

Semesters

First Semester

DPT101 > Intro to Diesel Engines3 credits

DPT105 > Service Fund and Preventative MaintThis course provides the student with an introduction to the basic principles and working environment of a service center. Topics to be explored include: the proper use of hand and basic power tool, the use of precision measuring tools, test equipment and specialized tools, safe and proper use of lifting equipment and large shop tools such as hydraulic presses and tire equipment, as well as general shop safety, the language and vocabulary related to the Agricultural Equipment, Light Truck, customer service, and writing of work orders. 3 credits

DPT120 > Diesel Engines Control SystemsThis 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.3 credits

DPT130 > Electrical Electronic SystemsCourse 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.2 credits

OSHA100 > OSHA 10 GeneralAn 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.1 credit

CIS105 > Introduction to Computers3 credits

SSS100 > Student SuccessProvides 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.1 credit

> Math Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Second Semester

AGT103 > Machinery Management2 credits

DPT107 > Introduction to HydraulicsFundamental 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.3 credits

DPT115 > Intro to PowertrainBasic 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.3 credits

DPT121 > Adv. Diesel Engine and Control SysStudents 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.3 credits

DPT161 > Air Cond. Service FundamentalsStudents 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.3 credits

DPT280 > Successful Service Management1 credit

> Social Science Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours18 credits

Third Semester

DPT290 > Internship6 credits

Total Semester Hours6 credits

Fourth Semester

AGT212 > Ag Chem EquipmentWith the rising costs of agricultural inputs, it is more important than ever to be sure all of those inputs are correctly applied. In this course the students will begin to understand how these application machines operate in an efficient, effective, and most importantly, safe manner. A large amount of focus will be put on the initial machine setup, including equipment selection and calibration. 3 credits

DPT215 > Ag Equipment Powertrain DrivetrainAdvanced 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.2 credits

DPT231 > Electrical Electric Diagnostics IIStudents 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.3 credits

DPT240 > Harvesting Equipment Maint. RepairStudents 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.3 credits

PAT102 > Principles of GPS/GISThis 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.2 credits

> Behavioral Science Elective3 credits

> Written Communications Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Fifth Semester

DPT201 > Guidance Steering and Variable RateThis course expands many of the concepts, theories and practices utilized in maintaining, diagnosing and operating GPS/GIS equipment and software necessary for variable rate, site specific application of product, as well as auto steer capabilities of equipment. Mechanical/electrical diagnostic and troubleshooting practices will be developed and the repair of harnesses and components will be explored. Students will also utilize mapping and data collection activities to develop prescriptions for product application. The understanding of the link between software utilization and map/prescription deviation will be a fundamental element of the software/prescription diagnostics portion of this class. Students will be directly involved in seeding and fertilizer applications to the MTI Land Lab by researching, developing and implementing the variable rate prescriptions that will be utilized during the spring seeding operation.3 credits

DPT210 > Adv Fluid Power DynamicsThis advanced hydraulics course will utilize variable displacement, pressure compensated hydraulic pumps, valves and components common to current production agricultural tractors and equipment to aid students in developing diagnostic and repair skills necessary to become proficient technicians. Students will become familiar with hydraulic pump diagnostics, priority circuit identification, flow control system diagnostics and electronic valve calibration. Component identification and inspection as well as direct system operation in the lab setting are fundamental elements of this course. Hydrostatic drives and motors will also be explored.3 credits

DPT221 > Ag Equipment DiagnosticsThe fundamental principles of mating attachments or drawn equipment electronically and hydraulically to combines and tractors will be the basis of this course. Concepts such as CAN bus diagnosis, ECV and ICV calibration, header compatibility and hydraulic flow requirements will be developed. Students will also be able to determine proper harness and hose configurations and basic operating characteristics for these types of equipment. Students will be taught how to utilize available technical information from both service and sales manuals, as well as compatibility guides. In field diagnosis of operating problems with planting and harvest equipment and the ability to determine a course of action to remedy the situation will be elements of this learning path.3 credits

DPT241 > Tractor Performance and Set-UpModern farm tractors are precise technological pieces of equipment on today’s farms and ranches. The need to properly equip and ballast these machines for peak performance in a customer’s operation is paramount. Student enrolled in this course will utilize sales catalog information, test data and practical application to ballast, set wheel spacing and adjust steering, engine and power train parameters on a given machine.2 credits

WLD102 > Basic Welding2 credits

DPT243 > Seeding Equipment FundamentalsStudents will learn the theories and principles behind the functional elements that make a row crop planter work. Seed placement, seed singulation, seed furrow development, closing, firming and frame system management will be topics of exploration. Seed monitoring systems and equipment for variable rate placement will also be discussed. Diagnostics of planting system operations and equipment wear recognition will be key points of focus in this fast-paced course. Components from all major manufacturers will be utilized in this course of study.3 credits

DPT245 > Hay Equipment FundamentalsThe service and repair of modern hay equipment will be the focus of this course. Students will learn the theories and practices of wear inspection, functional diagnosis, forming, wrapping and related hydraulic function issues that arise when customers operate hay harvesting equipment. Round balers, large square balers and mowers/conditioners will be the primary equipment utilized in this course.3 credits

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Requirements

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Apply safe, efficient and effective work practices in a manner compatible with OSHA and EPA requirements, as well as the agricultural equipment manufacture and repair industry expectations.
Demonstrate the industry standard application of proper and timely work order completion.
Apply preventative maintenance concepts to tractor, combine and agricultural equipment care and storage.
Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected tractor engines, combine engines, and compact equipment engines.
Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected electrical components and systems of agricultural tractors, combines and equipment regardless of its manufacturer.
Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected hydraulic components and systems utilizing the ISO information and standards for procedures.
Communicate effectively through active listening, in oral, written, and electronic format with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
Assume responsibility for continuing education requirements for new technologies, compliance with industry changes, and career advancement.

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Jaron Helstein

Instructor

Ryan Anderson

Instructor

Noah Munsen

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $7,292

Scholarships

Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.

Other Related Programs

If you’re interested in Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology, you might also be interested in these other agriculture & transportation programs at Mitchell Tech.

Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology

Overview

careers

Service Technician

Sales

Mechanic

Service Manager

Field Technician

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Fifth Semester

Requirements

Computer Requirements

Outcomes

Faculty

Cost

Other Required Costs

Scholarships

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