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.
Curriculum
Award: AAS Degree
First Semester
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.
3 creditsCourse 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 creditsAn 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 creditOverview 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.
3 creditsProvides 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.
1 creditSecond Semester
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.
2 creditsFundamental 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 creditsBasic 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 creditsStudents 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 creditsStudents 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 creditsUtilization of industry software and service management practices for evaluation of lab performance. Exercises related to service information dispensed in classroom sessions will be completed.
1 creditThird Semester
Supervised internship performed off-campus in an agricultural mechanic or service setting.
6 creditsFourth Semester
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.
3 creditsAdvanced 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 creditsStudents 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 creditsStudents 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 creditsThis 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 creditsFifth Semester
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 effective use of internet based resources, industry repair manuals, service, and parts literature in the repair and maintenance of agricultural equipment, tractors, diesel engines, seeding equipment, combine harvesters, hydraulic and electronic equipment.
- Demonstrate the industry standard application of selected specialized tools for maintenance, repair, diagnostic, and assembly of equipment.
- Identify the functional relationship among tractor, combine, seeding tool, precision ag products, and diesel engine equipment components and systems.
- Apply preventative maintenance concepts to tractor, combine and agricultural equipment care and storage.
- Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected tractor engine, combine engine, compact equipment engine, equipment power train and chassis systems.
- Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected electrical components and systems of agricultural tractors, combines and equipment regardless of its manufacture.
- Demonstrate basic diagnostic and repair concepts applied to selected hydraulic components and systems utilizing the ISO information and standards for procedures.
- Interact effectively by displaying flexibility, honesty, teamwork, respect, and sensitivity for customers.
- 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 and career advancement.
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Faculty
Instructor
Program Director / Instructor
Instructor
Cost
Other Required Costs
Books / Tools (estimated) | $6,391 |
Scholarships
$750
1 AVAIL.
SD Municipal Electric Association Energy Production & Transmission Scholarship
SD Municipal Electric Association
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
1 AVAIL.
South Dakota Assoc. of Cooperatives Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Business Management
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Roger Carlson “Tough Old Bird” Endowed Scholarship
Family & Friends of Roger Carlson
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$1000
2 AVAIL.
Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship
Charlene Bainbridge
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology