Farm Mechanics Merit Badge

Introduction

Welcome, scouts! The Farm Mechanics merit badge is all about learning how to maintain and repair the equipment used on a farm. You'll learn about engines, tractors, and other machinery that is essential to farming. By completing this merit badge, you'll be able to help out on the farm and keep things running smoothly.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Do the following:
   1. Explain the safety precautions you must take when you service a tractor.
   2. Show how to service a spark plug and air filter.
   3. Show how to check the level of and add oil to a crankcase.
   4. Show how to check the level of and add coolant to a radiator.
   5. Show how to check the level of and add hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic reservoir.
2. Do the following:
   1. Explain the basic principles of internal combustion engines.
   2. Explain the purpose of a governor on an engine.
   3. Explain the function of a carburetor on an engine.
   4. Explain the purpose of a fuel pump on an engine.
   5. Explain the function of an air intake system on an engine.
3. Do the following:
   1. Explain the differences between gasoline and diesel fuels.
   2. Explain the function of a fuel injector on a diesel engine.
   3. Explain the purpose of a turbocharger on a diesel engine.
   4. Explain the function of an exhaust gas recirculation system on a diesel engine.
   5. Explain the purpose of a diesel particulate filter on a diesel engine.
4. Do the following:
   1. Explain the purpose of a transmission on a tractor.
   2. Explain the function of a clutch on a tractor.
   3. Explain the purpose of a differential on a tractor.
   4. Explain the function of a power take-off on a tractor.
   5. Explain the purpose of a hydraulic system on a tractor.
5. Do the following:
   1. Explain the purpose of a belt pulley on a tractor.
   2. Explain the function of a three-point hitch on a tractor.
   3. Explain the purpose of a power steering system on a tractor.
   4. Explain the function of a live power take-off on a tractor.
   5. Explain the purpose of a creeper gear on a tractor.
6. Do the following:
   1. Explain the purpose of a combine harvester.
   2. Explain the function of a corn picker on a combine harvester.
   3. Explain the purpose of a threshing mechanism on a combine harvester.
   4. Explain the function of a cleaning mechanism on a combine harvester.
   5. Explain the purpose of a grain bin on a combine harvester.

Lesson

Alright scouts, let's get started! First things first, we need to talk about safety. When working with tractors, it's important to always wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and earplugs. You should also make sure the tractor is turned off and the key is removed before you start working on it. Now, who can tell me why it's important to service a spark plug and air filter? That's right, it helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.

Now, let's move on to engines. Can anyone tell me what the basic principles of internal combustion engines are? Great job! Internal combustion engines work by burning fuel and air to create energy. And what about governors? What do they do? That's right, they regulate the speed of the engine.

Next up, let's talk about transmissions. Who can explain what a transmission does? Excellent! A transmission is what allows the tractor to change gears and move at different speeds. And what about power take-offs? What are they used for? Yes, they allow the tractor to transfer power to other machines like a hay baler or a plow.

Finally, let's talk about combine harvesters. Who knows what a combine harvester is used for? That's right, it's used to harvest crops like wheat or corn. And what about threshing mechanisms? What do they do? Yes, they separate the grain from the stalks and husks.

Remember, scouts, it's important to always be safe and careful when working with farm machinery. And if you're ever unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask your merit badge counselor for help.

Questions

• What are some safety precautions you should take when working with tractors?
• What is the purpose of a governor on an engine?
• What is the function of a power take-off on a tractor?
• What is a combine harvester used for?
• When should you ask your merit badge counselor for help?

Remember, scouts, if you have any questions or need help with any of the requirements, don't hesitate to ask your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Requirements
1	Requirement 1a, 1b, 1c
2	Requirement 1d, 1e, 2a
3	Requirement 2b, 2c, 2d
4	Requirement 2e, 3a, 3b
5	Requirement 3c, 3d, 3e
6	Requirement 4a, 4b, 4c
7	Requirement 4d, 4e, 5a
8	Requirement 5b, 5c, 5d
9	Requirement 5e, 6a, 6b
10	Requirement 6c, 6d, 6e