Mechanics' personal tools are very important to their livelihood. Farm equipment mechanics usually buy their own handtools, although employers furnish power tools and computerized test equipment. Trainee mechanics are expected to accumulate their own tools as they gain experience. Experienced mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their tools. Farm equipment mechanics may advance to shop supervisor, service manager, or manager of a farm equipment dealership.
Some mechanics open their own repair shops or invest in franchised dealers.
A few farm equipment mechanics with strong customer service backgrounds advance to service representatives for farm equipment manufacturers. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace experienced mechanics who retire. Nevertheless, job opportunities should be good for persons who have completed formal training in farm equipment repair, diesel mechanics, or a similar program. Employers of farm equipment mechanics report difficulty finding qualified candidates to fill available positions because people trained to repair farm equipment have the fundamental skills and knowledge to work as mechanics in industries outside agriculture. Many young people with mechanic training prefer to take jobs as automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics, heavy equipment mechanics, or industry machine repairers, all occupations that offer relatively higher earnings and a wider variety of locations in which to work.