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Agricultural Machinery Technician


Location(s):  Saskatoon   

Agricultural Machinery Technician is a certificate program. It provides the knowledge and skill development needed to enter into the agricultural machinery technician trade.

You will learn:

  • entry level skills in the areas of electrical, engines, hydraulics, fuel systems, power trains and agricultural machinery

  • how to service, inspect, diagnose, repair and overhaul agricultural machinery common to the agricultural equipment industry


Length: 35 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in agricultural equipment dealerships and mechanical areas in many industrial fields. This includes working as a technician in a large mining company, large farm, custom combine operation, specialized shop, short line company or the construction industry.

Trade time and academic credit may be available for graduates who find employment in the trade and register as apprentices. Contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) for further information.

Contact your local agricultural equipment dealership (AGCO, CaseIH, John Deere, New Holland) for current job opportunities.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

60Arithmetic
65Reading
55Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Home Study
      Independent Study
      Online
      Shop/Lab
      Work Experience
    • During your two-week work experience, you will experience how an agricultural dealership operates and be able to start to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired.
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • AIR_ 183    Air Conditioning and Heating
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are found in modern agricultural equipment. Your studies will focus on the theory and operation of these systems and the components they use. You will diagnose and repair the HVAC systems and their controls, and retrofit R12 systems to the current R134a systems.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • COMM 127    Industry Communications
  • You will practice fundamental employability skills related to oral and written communications. You will also practice employability skills related to working effectively with others. You will learn personal employability skills and the effect of attitudes and behaviours on successful job search and career advancement.



    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Independent Study, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   BCOM 120    COMM 127A    COMM 185    COMM 187    COMM 191    COMM 193    JOBS 190    TCOM 120    TCOM 140   


  • ELEC 296    Electrical 1: Basics
  • Your studies will focus on basic electrical theory (including electron theory, Ohm's Law, Watt's Law and the laws of series and parallel circuits). The course content includes battery operation and servicing, using a digital multimeter to analyze circuits operation and simple diagnostics.


    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • ELEC 298    Electrical 2: Systems
  • Your studies will focus on the operation and repair of electrical systems found on agricultural equipment (including charging and starting systems).

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ELEC 299    Electrical 3: Advanced
  • Building on the knowledge gained in ELEC 296 (Electrical 1-Basics) and ELEC 298 (Electrical 2-Systems), you will focus on testing, diagnosing and repairing electrical circuits on agricultural equipment.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ENGN 191    Engines 1: Basics
  • You will study the basic physical principles of the operation and construction of two-stroke and four-stroke engines. The course content includes cooling systems, cooling system components, coolants and additives, crankcase lubricants, lubrication systems, filter systems, oil analysis, methods of cleaning and safety of cleaning.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ENGN 192    Engines 2: Fuel Systems
  • You will be introduced to the gasoline and diesel fuel supply systems and how they allow combustion to occur. You will inspect air induction systems, test engine compression, study high and low-pressure fuel injection systems and inspect and repair diesel fuel injectors.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ENGN 199    Engines 3 Advanced
  • You will focus on the construction and operation of the valve train and cylinder head components. The course content includes cylinder head overhaul, valve timing, valve adjustment, inspection of the camshaft and its bearings the design, construction, operation and service methods of crankshafts, connecting rods and piston assemblies, cylinder liners, bearings, blocks and related engine accessories. You will also gain knowledge of onboard computer systems used in the Agricultural machinery trade. You will use these computer systems to monitor machine operation and perform diagnostic tests.



    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • EQPT 194    Seeding and Tillage Equipment
  • You will learn how to set up, pre-deliver and service air seeder carts, seeding tools and tillage equipment. You will also learn the principles and procedures for operating tillage and seeding equipment. You will be introduced to global positioning systems technology as it applies to variable rate seeding technology.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • EQPT 196    Harvesting Equipment
  • You will learn how to set up, pre-deliver and service combines and combine attachments. You will study rotary and conventional combines and global positioning technology as it applies to harvesting.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • EQPT 197    Hay and Forage Equipment
  • You will study the principles of the operation, service and repair of hay and forage equipment. You will learn and demonstrate how to inspect, adjust, service and repair forage and haying equipment.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • EQPT 198    Sprayers and Applicators
  • Your studies will focus on the set-up and pre-delivery of self-propelled and
    pull-type field sprayers. The course content includes the theory of operation, service, repair and calibration of spray systems and components, and an introduction to the safe handling of anhydrous ammonia.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • EQPT 199    Pre-Delivery and Performance
  • You will learn how to set-up and pre-deliver tractors. You will focus on tractor appearance, installing accessories, tractor ballasting and tractor and engine performance.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • HYDR 188    Hydraulics
  • You will focus on the basic principles of hydraulics and gain an understanding of component construction and operation. You will learn how each component contributes to the operation of the entire system and develop practical skills to repair these components.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • MATH 187    Mathematics
  • You will develop the background knowledge in basic mathematics, while focusing on applications within the mechanical trades.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   MATH 119   


  • SHOP 187    Shop Procedures and Safety
  • You will explore the basic occupational skills, work practices and procedures required in the agricultural machinery industry.

    6.0 Credit Units
    87.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • TRNM 190    Power Trains 1
  • You will learn the basic mechanical devices and concepts that are used throughout the agricultural machinery industry.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • TRNM 191    Power Trains 2
  • You will learn how to maintain and repair fraction clutches used on modern agricultural tractors. Your focus will be on tractor separation, replacement and repair, and the adjustment of tractor clutches.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • TRNM 192    Power Trains 3
  • You will learn about the gear reduction and braking systems used on modern agricultural equipment. You will focus on non-powered hydraulic brakes, hypoid gear boxes, axles and final drives.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WELD 283    Gas and Arc Welding
  • Your studies will focus on oxy-acetylene safety procedures, equipment set-up and correct operating procedures. You will gain experience using the cutting torch freehand, using a guide, in cutting shapes and brazing. The course content includes demonstrations of plasma cutting and using an ironworker.

    2.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WELD 287    Gas Welding
  • Your studies will focus on electric arc welding safety procedures, equipment set-up and correct operating procedures. You will gain experience in flat padding, horizontal fillet, flat lap, vertical up fillet welding on various thicknesses of metal and using various types of welding rods.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Work Based Delivery, Correspondence


  • WORK 191    Dealership Work Experience
  • Two weeks of dealership work experience will allow you to apply the technical skills and knowledge you acquired during the program. You will have the opportunity to select a dealership where you would like to perform your work experience.

    0.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience - Group



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