The John Deere Tech sequence is a two-year degree option under the Agricultural Power Machinery or Diesel Technology (A.A.S.) program. The degree program is completed in 21 months. Four semesters are spent at SUNY Cobleskill and a minimum of 20 weeks is spent in the John Deere sponsoring dealership as a paid internship. Students will be involved in this work experience during semester and summer breaks.
To fulfill requirements for the A.A.S. degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of academic work with a GPA of 2.00 or above. These credits include 34 credits of major field requirements, 6 on advisement track and 20 credits in prescribed areas of liberal arts and sciences.
Suggested Course Sequence
SEMESTER 1
| Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| AGEN 111 Intro to Computing in Ag Engineering Technology | 2 |
| AGEN 116 John Deere Work Experience Orientation | 1 |
| AGEN 151 Basic Welding | 2 |
| AGEN 166 Agricultural Mechanics | 2 |
| AGEN 170 Basic Hydraulics | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 |
| Additional Liberal Arts & Science | 3 |
| FFCS | 1 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 |
SEMESTER 2
| Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| AGEN 117 Industry Work Experience | 1 |
| AGEN 132 Fundamentals of Diesel Engine Technology | 3 |
| AGEN 245 Air Conditioning | 2 |
| PHYS 101 Principles of Physics I | 3 |
| ENGL 102 or higher | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 |
| Additional Liberal Arts & Science | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 |
SEMESTER 3
Ag Power Machinery Degree Students:
| Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| AGEN 007 John Deere Work Experience | 0 |
| AGEN 118 Industry Work Experience | 1 |
| AGEN 231 Equipment Electrical and Electronic Systems Troubleshooting | 3 |
| AGEN 241 Agricultural Machinery | 4 |
| AGEN 285 Equipment Retailing Management | 3 |
| AGEN 292 Fuel Systems | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 |
Diesel Technology Students:
| Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| AGEN 007 John Deere Work Experience | 0 |
| AGEN 118 Industry Work Experience | 1 |
| AGEN 231 Equipment Electrical and Electronic Systems Troubleshooting | 3 |
| AGEN 274 Consturction Equipment Systems | 3 |
| AGEN 285 Equipment Retailing Management | 3 |
| AGEN 292 Fuel Systems | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 13 |
SEMESTER 4
| Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| AGEN 119 Industry Work Experience | 1 |
| AGEN 232 Power Trains Theory, Diagnostics, and Repair | 4 |
| AGEN 273 Agricultural Hydraulics Troubleshooting | 3 |
| Additional Science/Math | 3 |
| Additional Liberal Arts and Science | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 |
Course Descriptions
AGEN 007 John Deere Work Experience
This course provides students with a work experience at a relevant equipment business.
Program arrangements are made individually with and for each student and their partnering
business. The location and work experience must be approved by the student's advisor.
During the work experience, the student will build upon their industry knowledge and
skills development. The student will perform a minimum of 400 hours of work at the
approved location. This course is S/U graded only.Prerequisite: AGEN Majors in a John Deere Track.
0 class hr. fall
AGEN 111 Introduction to Computing in Agricultural Engineering (C)
This course is designed to introduce students to computer applications in the agricultural
equipment industry. Students will use various software pplications to construct computeraided design
drawings, gather information through electronic parts catalogs and electronic service
manuals, and diagnose/test equipment systems using desktop and laptop computers and
mobile processors. Students will also use other computer applications to construct
reports, organize data, perform calculations, and make presentations that are part
of many various equipment-related careers.
1 class hr. 1 two-hr. lab. 2 credits-fall
AGEN 116 Industry (John Deere) Work Experience Orientation
This course is designed to prepare students and guide them through their work experiences.
It will consist of orienting the student to the work environment, tasks, and forms
and records to be completed during the work experience. Prerequisite: John Deere Tech
or Power Machinery Technology majors only.
1 class hr. 1 credit-fall
AGEN 117 Industry (John Deere) Work Experience
This work experience course consists of the actual work experience at the dealership
that sponsors the student. A minimum of 44 hours of approved experience is required. Prerequisite:
AGEN 116
1 credit-spring
AGEN 118 Industry (John Deere) Work Experience
A second block of actual on-site work experience at the sponsoring dealership. A minimum
of 44 hours of approved experience is required. Prerequisites: AGEN 116, AGEN 117
1 credit-fall
AGEN 119 Industry (John Deere) Work Experience
The third block of on-site work experience at the dealership sponsoring the student.
This completes the college requirement of on-site experience and counts toward the
total of 20 weeks required by the dealership. A minimum of 44 hours of approved experience
is required. Prerequisites: AGEN 116,
AGEN 117, AGEN 118
1 credit-spring
AGEN 132 Fundamentals of Diesel Engine Technology (C)
A study of the design, operation, and components of a modern diesel-powered internal
combustion engine. Working with both engine components and running engines, students
will develop an understanding of the operation, assembly, troubleshooting, and rebuilding
skills required of service technicians. Emphasis will be placed on testing, troubleshooting,
horsepower output, and emission standards. Extensive use of technical information in
written and electronic format will be incorporated in all
aspects of the course.
2 class hrs. 1 three-hr. lab. 3 credits-spring
AGEN 151 Basic Welding (C)
A study of metal fastening by welding methods. Oxyacetylene and electric welding procedures
and their effects on metal properties will be discussed. Laboratory provides experience in
the use of arc and oxyacetylene welding and oxyacetylene cutting.
1 class hr. 1 two-hr. lab. 2 credits-fall, spring
AGEN 166 Agricultural Mechanics (C)
A course designed to study the selection, use and maintenance of tools and equipment
found in the repair shop. Students will gain experience in using industry accepted
procedures and materials.
1 class hr. 1 two-hr. lab. 2 credits-fall
AGEN 170 Basic Hydraulics (C)
An introduction to the fundamental principles of hydraulics, fluid power components
and their design, application, operation, and maintenance. This course includes a
study of terminology, industrial standards, symbols, and basic circuitry design as
related to fluid power. Application of hydraulics to both agricultural and light industrial
equipment is emphasized.
2 class hrs. 1 two-hr. lab. 3 credits-fall
AGEN 231 Electrical and Electronic System Diagnostics (C)
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of current electrical and electronic
systems found on modern tractors and machinery, through the use of agricultural equipment,
trainer circuits, and available testing equipment, the technician's DC circuit diagnostic
skills will be honed. Equipment system troubleshooting and repair will be emphasized.
It
is understood that the students have a basic understanding of electrical components,
test equipment, and schematic diagrams. Prerequisite: PHYS 101. 2 class hrs.
1 three hr. lab. 3 credits-fall
AGEN 232 Power Train Theory, Diagnostics and Repair
A study of power transmission, clutch through final drive, utilized in agricultural
construction, forestry, lawn and garden equipment. Students will develop knowledge
of the design and operation of various types of clutches, mechanical and power shift
transmissions, differentials and final drives.
Hands-on learning will be applied to diagnostic methods used for troubleshooting as
well as proper repair and overhaul procedures. Prerequisite: AGEN 132 or permission
of the instructor.
2 class hrs. 1 four-hr. lab. 4 credits-spring
AGEN 241 Agricultural Machinery (C)
A study of the principles, design and operation of tillage, planting and harvesting
machinery. Actual experience in adjustment, maintenance, set-up, servicing and operation
of machinery, utilizing manufacturers' technical manuals as a major resource for information.
2 class hrs. 1 four-hr. lab. 4 credits-fall
AGEN 245 Air Conditioning (C)
The course covers the principles of refrigeration and mobile air conditioning applications
in agriculture. Environmental and governmental regulations concerning handling and
recovery of refrigerant as well as troubleshooting electrical controls and sensors
are included as they impact the systems covered. Primary focus is on mobile units
such as air conditioned cabs in combines, tractors and other related applications.
1 class hr. 1 two-hr. lab. 2 credits-spring
AGEN 273 Hydraulic Troubleshooting (C)
The principles of hydraulics and their applications to agricultural tractors and machinery.
A study of the components and hydraulic circuits dealing with the hydraulic lift systems, power
steering, power brakes, and external cylinder operation. Inspecting, testing, and
servicing of hydraulic components and systems will be included. Prerequisite: AGEN
170.
2 class hr. 1 three-hr. lab. 3 credits-fall
AGEN 274 Consturction Equipment Systems (C)
The course is a continuation of studies in hydraulic and mechanical applications dealing
with industrial equipment such as loaders, backhoes, excavators, crawler dozers, and
forklifts. Experience will be gained in pre-delivery service, site preparation, and
operation of equipment on job sites. Prerequisite: AGEN 170.
2 class hr. 1 three-hr. lab. 3 credits-fall
AGEN 285 Equipment Retailing Management (C)
A course dealing with requirements of the retail agricultural equipment business for
farm equipment, industrial equipment, or farmstead mechanization, physical facilities,
organization, supervision and managerial aspects of the equipment business including
parts, service and sales departments. Students incorporate the above by planning in
detail for an equipment business.
3 class hrs. 3 credits-fall, fall
AGEN 292 Fuel Systems II (C)
Students will study the design and construction of nozzles, injectors, and fuel pumps
used in agricultural and construction equipment. Emphasis will be placed on the design,
testing, cleaning, and repair and adjustment of the different styles of nozzles and
pumps available. Troubleshooting and malfunction diagnosis is included. Prerequisite:
AGEN 192.
2 class hrs. 1 three-hr. lab. 3 credits-fall
PHYS 101 Principles of Physics I (C)
Students will learn the principles of the science and behavior of magnetism, electricity,
electronics and heat energy. Activities will include applications in current technology
to develop skills for explaining, testing, and diagnosing various electrical/electronic
devices and circuits. Use of digital and analog testing instruments will be stressed.
2 class hrs. 1 two-hr. lab. 3 credits-spring