Farm Mechanics Merit Badge Pamphlet Farm Mechanics Merit Badge

Farm Mechanics


Requirements were REVISED effective January 1, 2009.
(New pamphlet issued August 1, 2008).

New text is in bold GREEN underlined Serif text like this sentence.
Deleted portions are struck through RED italic text like this sentence.

To see the requirements, without the changes highlighted, Click here.

For the previous requirements, Click here.


  1. List 10 common tools found in a well-equipped farm shop and explain how to safely use each one.
    Do the following:
    1. 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.
    2. Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out the shop's mandatory safety devices and features.
    3. Find all the universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment and explain what they mean.
    4. 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. Do the following:
    1. List ten safety devices in a well-equipped farm shop and explain the function of each.
    2. Demonstrate proper safety apparel and equipment to be worn and used when operating a grinder, wire-brush wheel, welder, or drill.
    3. Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out mandatory safety devices and features in the shop.
    3. Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:
    1. Diesel engine
    2. Hydraulic system
    3. Transmission or any other power system.
  3. 4. Do TWO of the following:
    1. Replace the handle on any tool found on the farm.
    2. Build Organize a tool rack or a storage system with storage for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.
    3. Properly grind Using a hand file, properly dress the mushroom head off of a chisel or punch.
    4. Correctly grind or file Using a hand file, properly dress a screwdriver tip.
    5. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Make the necessary adjustments to ready a piece of farm equipment or machinery for field operation.
    2. Choose a piece of farm machinery or equipment. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten any that are loose. Replace those that are missing, worn, or damaged.
    3. Repair broken or worn farm machinery or equipment.
    6. Make a list of safety precautions for adjustments or repairs you make for requirement 5.
  4. 7. Do ONE of the following:
    1. On an engine-powered machine: Grease all fittings, change the oil and oil filter, clean the air cleaner filter, flush cooling system, clean the radiator fins, and replace the diesel fuel filters.
    2. With any farm machine, do a daily service check for field use. (Do things needed for best field performance.)
      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.
    3. Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.
  5. 8. Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer, technician, or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance. Ask why it is important, . What are the costs, and what ? What happens that causes wear or damage? Report what you learn discovered.
  6. 9. Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:
    1. Tightening hydraulic fittings
    2. Servicing spark plugs Checking the air filter
      c. Lubricating a clutch-release bearing
    3. 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.

BSA Advancement ID#: 48
Requirements last updated in: 2008
Pamphlet Publication Number: 35894
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 35894
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2008

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Page updated on: November 18, 2021



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