Requirement 1: Do the following:

Requirement 1a: 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.

Requirement 1b: Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out the shop's mandatory safety devices and features.

Requirement 1c: Find all the universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment and explain what they mean.

Requirement 1d: 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.

Requirement 2: Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

Requirement 2a: Diesel engine

Requirement 2b: Hydraulic system

Requirement 2c: Transmission or any other power system

Requirement 3: Do TWO of the following:

Requirement 3a: Replace the handle of any tool found on the farm.

Requirement 3b: Organize a tool rack or a storage system for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.

Requirement 3c: Using a hand file, properly dress the mushroomed head of a chisel or punch.

Requirement 3d: Using a hand file, correctly dress a screwdriver tip.

Requirement 4: Do ONE of the following:

Requirement 4a: 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.

Requirement 4b: 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.

Requirement 4c: Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 6: Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:

Requirement 6a: Tightening hydraulic fittings

Requirement 6b: Checking the air filter

Requirement 6c: Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel

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