Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Working Life

Agricultural mechanics are concerned with fault-finding, repair, overhaul and maintenance of farm tractors and farm machinery. These farm machines could include forage harvesters, balers, bale wrappers, mowers, combine harvesters, crop-sprayers, fertiliser distributors, diet feeders, tillage and slurry handling equipment.

Their skills overlap with those of other crafts within the motor family of crafts, therefore they are equipped to carry out some repair work on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle- Quads) light and heavy commercial vehicles, earth moving equipment, forklift trucks and other vehicles.

Besides the normal agricultural tractor and machinery garages, some large agricultural contracting firms employ their own agricultural mechanics.

A number of agricultural mechanics progress to positions of service engineers/reps and technical sales persons within the agricultural tractors and farm machinery distribution and service industry. Some agricultural mechanics may also gain employment in the spares department of agricultural garages.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
• Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
• Record details of repairs made and parts used.
• Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
• Clean and lubricate parts.
• Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
• Tune or overhaul engines.
• Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
• Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.
• Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

There are many pathways towards a career in mechanics in Agriculture.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering, motor technology, transport, distribution, logistics.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: agricultural mechanisation, engineering, technology, automotive, motor, vehicle maintenance, technology.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Agricultural Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Motor Mechanic Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: automotive technology, management, automotive engineering, transport.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: agricultural, innovation, entrepreneurship, extension.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €48k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/Salaryband/ Indeed / Jobted

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Agricultural technicians; herd managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Farmers had a negative employment growth over the five-year period, with employment levels remaining broadly unchanged between 2021 and 2022.

Of those employed as farmers, 61% were aged 55 years or older which will likely impact future employment numbers in this occupation.

• Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association Ltd.

  • Unit 3, Road D, Tougher's Business Park, Newhall, Naas, Co. Kildare
  • (045) 409309
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