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Printed on 4/18/2025

Agricultural Equipment Technology

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10-070-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Full Time 65 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you want to repair and maintain farm equipment, this degree program is for you. These courses provide hands-on training and critical diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. You will work on the latest electronically controlled diesel engines, drive trains, hydraulics and electrical systems, air conditioning, materials handling equipment and harvesting equipment. You’ll also learn to work with computer-based systems. And, the program includes classes in business management and customer service—everything you need to start your career in this field.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (47 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Basic Agriculture Hydraulic Systems
    10-070-101
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the fundamentals of fluid power, components, different hydraulic systems, hydraulic schematics and terminology of the hydraulic systems used on modern agriculture equipment. Includes operation of fluid flow on various systems, maintenance, and system diagnostics. Students will work with hydraulic trainers, fixed displacement pump, motors, hydraulic cylinders, and basic control valves.

  • Ag Equipment Dealership Principles
    10-070-102
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10070102
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the role of the Equipment Dealer in today’s agriculture economy. An in depth look at both sides of the customer and business relationship exploring the needs of the agribusiness customer, how the equipment dealer works to meet those needs and the roles of Sales, Parts and Service at the Equipment Dealership.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070103 - Service Maintenance & Principles
  • Intro to Service Maintenance & Principles
    10-070-103
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to service department functions, service related programs, and principles. Exposure to compact equipment with attachments. Students will learn assembly, pre-delivery, preventative maintenance inspection, along with basic maintenance techniques.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • COMMUNIC 10801195 - Written Communication

    • Student is in progress in Precision Agriculture Technician (31-092-1) Program of Study
  • Safety Principles/Shop Tools
    10-070-104
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10070104
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on equipment shop safety, correct tool usage and types of fasteners. Students will perform some basic duties in the shop using different types of tools and fasteners. Students will learn the different tools. They will also learn and perform some basic welding and cutting torch applications.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 94070001 - Ag Mechanics Program Shirts
  • Basic Harvesting
    10-070-106
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070106
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the basic theory of forage and grain harvesting equipment. Includes operation, adjustments, and troubleshooting based on scenarios. Students will perform basic maintenance and adjustments on the equipment and attachments. 

  • Basic Agriculture Transmissions
    10-070-114
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10070114
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the fundamentals of basic mechanical transmission components and theory. The topics that students will be introduced to will be mechanical clutches, braking systems, final drives, and mechanical transmissions. Students will perform basic repair and adjustments on these components.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070104 - Safety Principles/Shop Tool
  • Agriculture Air Conditioning
    10-070-115
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10070115
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides theory of operation, service and testing of air conditioning units used to cool operator's cab of modern equipment. Students will have lab work consisting of leak detection, evacuation, charging of systems, R-12 to R134A conversions, electrical circuits and diagnostics of systems. Students will have the opportunity to apply for the Wisconsin State Air Conditioning Certification.

  • Agriculture Hydraulic Systems Advanced
    10-070-116
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10070116
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduction to theory on variable displacement pumps (which includes hydrostatic transmissions), hydraulic motors used for ground drive and steering, and remote control valves used on agricultural equipment. Students will perform disassembly and assembly of the components and perform basic adjustments. Students will be introduced into testing procedures using appropriate tools to diagnose issues based on scenarios. 

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070101 - Basic Agriculture Hydraulic Systems
  • Basic Diesel Engines
    10-070-117
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10070117
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the theory, operation, and basic systems of a diesel engine. Student will be introduced to valve trains, rotating group, lubrication system, cooling system, and intake and exhaust systems. Student will perform diagnostic and repair of internal parts of the diesel engine. Student will perform measurements using specialty tools and manufacturer’s service-related information to complete hands-on activities.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070104 - Safety Principles/Shop Tool

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070119 - Basic Diesel Engines Fuel Systems​
  • Basic Diesel Engines Fuel Systems
    10-070-119
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10070119
    • Credits: 2.00

    Students will be introduced to various types of mechanical fuel delivery systems used on agricultural engines. Students will be introduced to the theory and operation of mechanical fuel pumps, transfer pumps, injectors, turbo chargers and air-to-air coolers. Students will diagnose and repair the various components of the fuel systems. Proper timing of the engine fuel system, using specialty tools and service materials, will be practiced during hands-on lab activities.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070104 - Safety Principles/Shop Tool

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070117 - Basic Diesel Engines
  • Ag Planting Equipment
    10-070-120
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10070120
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides a comprehensive study of planting equipment. There will be extensive coverage of planting and seeding equipment. Units to be covered will include no-till drills, corn planters and seed metering units. Students will work with the seed metering test stand to rebuild and calibrate the seed meters.

  • Advanced Harvesting
    10-070-122
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10070122
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces students to the theory of operation, adjustments, and repair on baler knotters, plungers, and throwers. Students will also be introduced to forage harvesting theory, operation, adjustments, and repair on forage harvesting kernel processors and attachments. Self-propelled forage harvester theory and operations will be reviewed. Students will be exposed to additional topics on grain harvesting equipment which includes theory, operations, adjustments, and repair on grain harvesting equipment, attachments, and hydrostatic drive. Students will perform hands-on lab work on listed equipment using proper testing and repair tools from the manufacturers.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070101 - Basic Agriculture Hydraulic Systems

    • AGRICUL 10070106 - Basic Harvesting

    • AGRICUL 10070116 - Agriculture Hydraulic Systems Advanced
  • Advanced Fuel Systems and Emissions
    10-070-124
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10070124
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces students to theory and operation of electronically controlled fuel systems. Students will explore and examine electronically controlled fuel systems and injectors. Students will be introduced to emission systems used on today's modern equipment. These topics will include diesel particulate filters (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and diesel oxidation catalyst systems. Students will perform hands-on lab activities using specialty tools and service related materials.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070117 - Basic Diesel Engines

    • AGRICUL 10070119 - Basic Diesel Engines Fuel Systems
  • Ag DC Electrical Systems
    10-070-131
    3Credit
    90
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10070131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on DC electron flow theory, different types of circuits and troubleshooting the circuits. Students will also use schematics to diagnosis problems. Starting and charging systems will be covered.

  • AG DC Electronic Systems
    10-070-136
    3Credit
    90
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070136
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on electrical and electronic circuits used on DC electrical systems in agricultural equipment. Students will develop the knowledge and skills associated with diagnosing and troubleshooting these circuits. Students will learn the functions of the electronic systems. Computer use will be stressed.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070131 - Ag DC Electrical Systems
  • Precision Equipment Systems
    10-070-137
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10070137
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the different precision farming GPS systems used on agriculture equipment. Students will learn proper set-up and installation of the systems. Students will work in the field with adjustments and settings as well as the GPS display and the different functions.

  • Advanced Agriculture Transmission
    10-070-138
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10070138
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to power take-off (PTO) systems, differentials, partial powershift transmissions, powershift transmissions, and variable speed transmissions. Students will learn the theory of operations, repair, adjustments, and proper testing along with calibrations, using specialty tools.  In a lab setting, students will complete repairs on equipment based on descriptions of customer complaints and will diagnose and repair the systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AGRICUL 10070104 - Safety Principles/Shop Tool

    • AGRICUL 10070114 - Basic Agriculture Transmissions
  • Agriculture Student Development
    10-070-139
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10070139
    • Credits: 1.00

    Finalizes what the student has learned, which will show how well the student has obtained some of the knowledge and skills needed before entering into their career. This will be a capstone course for the student. Students will be assessed in the program outcome areas.

    General Studies (15 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Math w Business Apps
    10-804-123
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804123
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Accuplacer Arithmetic 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 16+ OR Arithmetic Level 1 Coursework

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Introduction to Diversity Studies
    10-809-172
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809172
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Psychology of Human Relations
    10-809-199
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809199
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family, and in society.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.