Farm Mechanics Merit Badge

1. Safety in the farm shop and around equipment Requirement

Four parts, (a) to (d). The equipment and clothing of 1(a) and the safety data sheets of 1(d) apply to everything you do for the badge.

4 parts

• 1(a). Safety equipment, tools and clothing, and using them
• 1(b). Draw a plan of a well-equipped farm shop
• 1(c). The universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment
• 1(d). Safety data sheets (SDS) Often forgotten

2. How power is produced or transferred Requirement

Explained for (a) a diesel engine, (b) a hydraulic system, and (c) a transmission or any other power system.

3. Tool jobs. Do TWO Requirement

The badge states the choice: two of four.

4 parts

• 3(a). Replace the handle of any tool found on the farm Optional May not apply
• 3(b). Organize a tool rack or storage system Optional May not apply
• 3(c). Dress the mushroomed head of a chisel or punch Optional May not apply
• 3(d). Dress a screwdriver tip Optional May not apply

4. Work on a machine. Do ONE Requirement

The badge states the choice: service an engine-powered machine, a preoperational checklist and check, or winter storage.

3 parts

• 4(a). Service an engine-powered machine Optional May not apply
• 4(b). Create a preoperational checklist, then use it Optional May not apply
• 4(c). Prepare any farm machine for winter storage Optional May not apply

5. Visit an implement dealer Often forgotten Requirement

Interview the dealer technician or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance: why it is important, the costs, and what causes wear or damage. Report what you learn.

6. Explain a maintenance procedure. Do ONE Requirement

Explain each step in one of three procedures.

3 parts

• 6(a). Tightening hydraulic fittings Optional May not apply
• 6(b). Checking the air filter Optional May not apply
• 6(c). Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel Optional May not apply

7. Three careers in farm mechanics, one researched Requirement

The education, training and experience it requires. Discuss it with your counselor, and why it might interest you.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Safety in the farm shop and around equipment, 2. How power is produced or transferred and 5 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.