Farm Mechanics

Farm Mechanics requirements

1. Do the following:

   a. Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing farm equipment. Use this 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 on any tool found on the farm.

   b. Organize a tool rack or a storage system for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.

   c. Using a hand file, properly dress the mushroom head of a chisel or punch.

   d. Correctly grind or file 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 voltmeter). 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 costs, 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

   d. Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel.

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

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216 - SKU# 619576)

A FREE workbook for Farm Mechanics is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Farm Mechanics requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: American Labor - Automotive Maintenance - Drafting - Farm Mechanics - Graphic Arts - Home Repairs - Painting - Plumbing - Surveying - Truck Transportation - Woodwork
  
• Webelos Activity Badges: Craftsman - Handyman

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)