Power Your Future with a Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology AAS Degree
Get hands-on training in one of the most in-demand fields with the Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology AAS Degree program at Iowa Lakes. This two-year program provides the technical skills and real-world experience to diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, farm machinery, and heavy equipment used in agriculture, construction, and transportation. Whether you want to work in farm equipment dealerships, diesel repair shops, or fleet maintenance, this program equips you with the expertise to thrive in a high-tech industry as a diesel technician.
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll train in state-of-the-art diesel labs, working with industry-grade diagnostic tools and repair equipment. From engines and hydraulics to electrical systems and powertrains, you’ll develop practical skills that translate directly into the workforce. Plus, with strong industry partnerships and on-the-job training opportunities, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Diesel Mechanics Outlook.
Ready to start your career? Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward a future in diesel and farm equipment technology!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Industry Certifications
Master the Fundamentals of Diesel & Agricultural Equipment Repair
The Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology AAS program at Iowa Lakes provides comprehensive training in modern diesel technology and farm machinery repair, covering:
- Diesel engine diagnostics, repair, and performance testing
- Hydraulics, powertrains, and drivetrain systems
- Electrical and computerized control systems
- Preventative maintenance and troubleshooting
- Fuel injection and emissions systems
Train with Industry Leaders & Gain Certification Opportunities
Students work with cutting-edge equipment from leading manufacturers, gaining real-world experience and opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications that boost job prospects. Training includes:
- Advanced diagnostic tools and scan technology
- Hands-on learning with agricultural equipment brands
- Industry safety and compliance certifications
Equip yourself with the skills and experience to thrive in the field of farm equipment and diesel technology. Start your journey with Iowa Lakes and position yourself for a rewarding career.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (72 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Internship/Practicum
Additional Information
Term 1
AGM 413 – Diesel Engine Overhaul
This course covers the fundamentals of engine overhaul with the emphasis on diesel engines.
AGM 424 – Diesel Engine Repair
This course covers the theory and operation of a basic agricultural engine.
AGM 425 – Farm Equip Air Conditioning
This course covers the theory, diagnosis and service of the complete air conditioning system as applied to farm equipment.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Term 2
AGM 432 – Advanced Powertrains
This course covers the theory, operation, construction, and service procedures for transmissions.
AGM 433 – Powertrains
This course covers the technical principles and their application to drive shafts, universal joints, differentials, differential locks, final drives, and power take off, including diagnosis, repair, adjustment, and overhaul procedures.
AGM 850 – Dealership Experience II
The dealership experience is a four-week block in which each student works as a full-time mechanic in a farm implement dealership.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Term 3
AGM 416 – Combine & Implement Repair & Adjustment
This course covers the maintenance and adjustment of harvesting, planting, tillage, and spraying equipment.
AGM 420 – Fuel Systems
Study of technical principles and their application to fuel injection systems and turbo chargers, including diagnostics, adjustments, and overhaul procedures.
AGM 421 – Fuel Systems Laboratory
This course covers the application of technical principles to fuel systems and turbo chargers, including diagnosis, adjustments, and rebuilding procedures.
Corequisites: AGM 420 – Fuel Systems
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 4
AGM 114 – Hydraulics I
A study of hydraulic components, including troubleshooting, removal, repair and replacement.
AGM 116 – Fundamentals of Hydraulic
This course studies basic hydraulic laws and principles as they apply to the farm equipment mechanics repair industry.
AGM 117 – Fundamentals of Hydraulic Lab
This course focuses on testing hydraulic systems on farm equipment.
Corequisites: AGM 116 – Fundamentals of Hydraulic
AGM 118 – Advanced Hydraulics Laboratory
This course studies troubleshooting, repairing, removing and replacing hydraulic components.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry . The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications . Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Term 5
AGM 300 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course studies basic laws and principles of electricity as they apply to the farm equipment repair industry.
AGM 301 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab
This lab course applies electrical laws and principles by examining electrical systems of farm equipment.
Corequisites: AGM 300 – Fundamentals of Electricity
AGM 302 – Electrical Components
This course studies electrical components of farm equipment, including repair and replacement.
AGM 303 – Electrical Components Lab
This lab covers troubleshooting, repairing, removing and replacing electrical components.
Corequisites: AGM 302 – Electrical Components
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
AGM 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment on farm equipment and diesel machinery.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
AGM 851 – Dealership Experience
This dealership experience is the second four-week block in which each student works as a full-time mechanic in a farm implement dealership.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management†
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
CHOOSE AGM 303 OR ELE 332 & AGM 332
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Practice safety in the repair and service of agriculture equipment
- Identify agriculture equipment system components.
- Analyze agriculture equipment components for repair /replacement.
- Evaluate agriculture equipment performance to determine needed repairs.
- Repair agriculture equipment in the most cost efficient way and satisfying to the customer
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Special Certifications: Snap-on Meter, ASE Air Conditioning, Snap-on Service/Scan Tool
Real-World Learning Through Industry Partnerships
Iowa Lakes has strong partnerships with farm equipment dealerships and diesel service providers, ensuring students gain on-the-job experience through internships and cooperative training programs. These industry connections provide pathways to immediate employment, with many graduates securing jobs before they complete the program.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.5%
Potential Careers
Farm Equipment Dealerships, Self Employment, Factory Technician
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$54,454
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$52,120
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Phil Zabka Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology Instructor/Coordinator 712-852-5353 | pzabka@iowalakes.edu |