In order to compete in this State contest, you must qualify in the top 35% or 5 teams at an Area Contest.	Jeffrey W. Nelson 460 Henry Mall Madison, WI  53706 (608) 263-1940  jwnelson@wisc.edu

The activity will involve skills commonly used to choose, assemble or repair PROCESSING SYSTEM equipment. This will involve machinery (or components) commonly used for materials handling. Contestants should be able to use operators, parts, and repair manuals. The activity may involve creating repair orders, parts lists, repair cost estimates, maintenance schedules, and/or determine machine specifications. Skill area will not require any specific knowledge of the machinery used, but rather focus on the process. For example: Determine machine capacity from the specifications published in the manual, determine the maintenance schedule from a manual, or cost parts from a price list.

B. Energy Systems

C. Environmental and Natural Resource Systems

Potential activities include reading and interpreting information regarding PROCESSING EQUIPMENT and ventilation in material storage facilities.

D.  Machine and Equipment Systems 

The machine and equipment for the machine and equipment skill activity will not be known for a period of time, but all questions and activities will be generic in nature. Questions might also include using the operators manual to determine the capacities, operational procedures, adjustment, etc. of the equipment.

E.  Structural Systems

Potential areas are bill of materials; size; specifications and layout of building; footings and foundations; plans and drawings; cost of metal construction materials, fastening materials and tools.

EACH INDIVIDUAL WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

A. Individual Problem-Solving/Skill Development Activities

Competencies associated with the individual performance activities are listed for each agricultural mechanics system associated with this event on the following pages. Each individual may perform skills associated with each of the five systems.

B. Written Examination

A written examination consisting of 50 multiple choice questions will be developed from the system areas identified in the competencies section for this event. These will include 10 multiple choice questions on each of the five system areas.

C. Team Problem-Solving Activity

Participants will compete as a team to solve an integrated problem associated with the theme selected for the event. A broad problem scenario will be presented to the team. The team will have the freedom to use any and all information, organize themselves to solve the problem in their own way (work together or delegate) and determine how they will put their solution together. The team will receive a combined score based on the process of how members worked together, as well as a product (final solution presented by the team). Teams may be asked to do some of the following: 

• Select equipment
• Design some aspect of a system or structure
• Analyze performance
• Design and layout
• And determine costs
  

SAFETY

• Industry values personnel who demonstrate safe attitudes and practices; individual and cooperative teamwork; higher-order thinking skills and problem solving; and a willingness to learn new methods, procedures, and technologies, as well as the basic technical competencies associated with work.
  
• Each individual must follow recommended practices and work habits appropriate for the assigned activities.
• Each individual will be responsible for all personal safety equipment including:
  

1. Industrial-Quality Eye Protection

Individuals will be required to wear "eye protection devices" (spectacles or goggles) that meet the standards of the American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Education Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1979 (or Z87-1.1968) and any subsequent revisions thereof, approved by ANSI. Dress (street) eyewear DOES NOT qualify as Industrial-Quality Eye Protection. The descriptions of style A, B and C Industrial-Quality Eye Protection are as follows:

Style A. Safety spectacles without side shields. They are for limited-hazard use requiring only frontal protection. The addition of accessory side shields that are not firmly secured does not upgrade Style A to a Style B or C. This style is NOT ACCEPTABLE for use in the event.

Style B. Safety spectacles with wire mesh, perforated plastic or non-perforated side shields. The side shields shall be tapered, with an anatomical periphery extending at least halfway around the circumference of the lens frames. INDUSTRIAL QUALITY EYE PROTECTION FOR THOSE NOT WEARING PRESCRIPTION GLASSES SHALL BE STYLE "B". ACCEPTABLE.

Style C. Safety spectacles with semi- or flat-fold shield that must be firmly secured to that frame. Style "C" glasses do not provide maximum protection from the top and bottom angles and are NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Those wearing prescription eyewear that is not industrial quality-Style B-must also wear industrial-quality goggles while performing in the career development event performance areas.

2. Clothing

Each individual shall furnish and wear coveralls, a shop coat or appropriate clothing for this event. Clothing must be in good repair and fit properly. Long-sleeved clothing must be worn when welding or cutting.

3. Specialized Safety Equipment

Necessary equipment such as helmets, goggles, shields, gloves, leathers, or hearing protection devices will be provided by the State FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event Committee.

EVENT-RELATED COMPETENCIES

The following list of statements with specific problem-solving and skill performances were identified from the systems area. Examination questions may be developed from either problem-solving or skill competencies. Team activities may be developed from the problem-solving competencies, while individual performance activities may be developed from either the problem-solving and/or skill competencies.

INDUSTRY AND MARKETING SYSTEMS COMPETENCIES
PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Complete and interpret predelivery and delivery instructions.
2. Describe the importance of customer relations and communications.
3. Comprehend cab and environment controls (air conditioning and heating).
4. Compare costs of ownership, lease, rental and custom agreements.
5. Interpret and follow recommended service and maintenance schedules.
6. Determine proper practices and procedures for storing an engine.
7. Use of operator's manual.
8. Identify safety machinery operating practices.
9. Select machinery parts using manufacturer's catalogs, microforms, microfiche, or  computers.
10. Evaluate building warranties.
11. Determine finance and insurance needs.
12. Identify and be able to describe safety practices.

1. Use safety precaution in operation.
2. Perform predelivery setup and adjustment.
3. Identify and use international operators symbols.
4. Adjust operator controls for best fit.
5. Select appropriate tools and equipment.

ENERGY SYSTEMS COMPETENCIES
PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Describe how to repair a specific component or system.
2. Select fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and coolants for proper operation.
3. Identify importance of oil analysis as a management tool.
4. Operation and interpretation of circuit diagrams and flow charts in electrical, hydraulic, fuel, oil, cooling and intake and exhaust systems.
5. Identify the function and operating principles of tractor clutches, transmissions, control devices and brakes.
6. Explain and describe principles of power transmission.
7. Identify the parts and functions of electrical,hydraulic, lubrication, cooling, governor and fuel systems.
8. Interpret horsepower, torque and other power measurement criteria.
9. Identify and use OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) tractor test data and other standard data.
10. Select proper ballast and tractor weighting.
11. Compare costs of alternative machine uses.
12. How to use load/inflation table for tires using a constant deflection table.
13. Describe operating principles of two-stroke and four-stroke spark or compression ignition engines.
14. Identify the use and function of engine repair tools.
15. Evaluate engine performance under load and no-load operation.
16. Evaluate engine parts or short blocks for replacement or servicing.
17. Determine hydraulic cylinder force and speed.
18. Use appropriate standards for agricultural applications, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL), Factory Mutual, Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and/or OSHA standards.
19. Plan safe electrical circuits.
20. Select conductor type and size for specific applications.
21. Calculate voltage drop.
22. Determine electrical power requirements.
23. Identify the characteristics of single and three-phase circuits.
24. Plan and evaluate proper grounding systems and ground-fault protection.
25. Determine volt, amp and ohm relationships (Ohm's and other application laws).
26. Select adequate and appropriate lighting fixtures.
27. Interpret power (horsepower, kilowatt), power factor, torque and other motor selection criteria.
28. Calculate heating and cooling loads.
29. Interpret wiring diagrams.
30. Identify and describe basic principles of controls including thermostats; humidistat, photoelectric; magnetic relays, programmable controllers, proximity switches and sensors; ultrasonics; timers and other time-delay equipment; and pressure, motion, limit, float and sail switches.
31. Select controls from supply catalogs, microforms, microfiche or computers.
32. Select controls for electrical applications.
33. Use low-voltage electrical control equipment.
34. Identify and select devices for automated systems.
35. Use safe wiring practices for specific applications.
36. Select standby power generators and isolation equipment for specific applications.

SKILLS

1. Connect electrical and hydraulic motor devices.
2. Conduct a pre-operation inspection of a tractor
3. Starting, stopping and operating the tractor engine.
4. Perform recommended periodic service jobs (as found in operator's manuals).
5. Use measuring tools and test instruments such as:  Micrometering and telescoping gauges, dial indicator, compression tester, torque wrench, VOA (volt-ohm-amp)-meter, DMM (digital multi-meter), timing devices, tachometer and dynamometer for determining test procedures.
6. Remove, service and replace electrical components
7. Test and service batteries, changing, lighting, warning and cranking systems.
8. Test and service cooling systems.
9. Make hitch and PTO adjustments to the implement.
10. Adjust wheel tread spacing.
11. Match tractors to implements.
12. Conduct on-board tractor monitor checks as identified in operator's manual.
13. Test engine for emissions.
14. Select and use engine overhaul equipment, including valve, cylinder, piston, seal and bearing tools.
15. Service and maintain fuel, air intake and exhaust, cooling and lubrication systems.
16. Read schematics and sketch wiring circuits.
17. Attach conductors to terminals.
18. Install attachment plugs and cord connector bodies.
19. Make proper splices and connections.
20. Troubleshoot electrical circuits using proper testing equipment and measuring devices.
21. Measure electrical circuits for voltage, amperage, resistance and wattage.
22. Install electrical circuits, switching devices and appliances.
23. Install ground-fault circuit interrupters.
24. Make connections in a computer-simulated wiring task.
25. Provide suitable motor over-current protection.
26. Install thermal and solid state delay/relay controls.
27. Install a low-voltage motor control system.
28. Install sensing devices including thermostats; humidistat; photoelectric; magnetic relays; programmable controllers; proximity switches and sensors; ultrasonics; timers and other time-delay equipment; and pressure, motion, limit, float and sail switches.

MACHINERY/EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS COMPETENCIES

1. Identify safe tractor operation practices for field and highway conditions.
2. Identify the recommended service and maintenance operations from the operator's manual.
3. Select lubricants for machinery and equipment.
4. Identify functions of machinery components.
5. Identify parts and functions of hydraulic systems.
6. Identify and compute harvest issues.
7. Prepare machinery for storage.
8. Explain principles of machinery management.
9. Describe functions of chemical application, fertilizing, harvesting, materials handling, processing, planting, seeding and tillage equipment.
10. Select arc welding machines and accessories.
11. Read drawings and welding symbols. 
12. Select appropriate electrodes and wires.
13. Prepare materials and equipment for arc welding.
14. Select welding rods and fluxes.
15. Select hard surfacing alloys.
16. Start up, shut down and secure the equipment
17. Select shielding gases.
18. Describe cylinder sizes and gas flow extraction rates. Calculate the volume of acetylene that can be delivered per cylinder per hour.
19. Identify appropriate shapes of tool and equipment cutting edges.
20. Select abrasives for grinding and sharpening.
21. Describe the application of simple machines in cutting edges.
22. Identify kinds of metal used in tool construction.
23. Identify hand metal working tools by types and sizes.
24. Determine tap and drill sizes.
25. Select files and saw blades.
26. Read metal working plans and prints.
27. Identify and select power shears, benders, brakes and saws.
28. Calculate materials costs.

1. Check and adjust driveline components.
2. Adjust equipment hitches and drives.
3. Install, adjust and service belt and chain drives.
4. Select and use test equipment including meters, tachometers and timing devices to determine proper machine operation.
5. Adjust and/or calibrate chemical application, seeding, 
   fertilizing, harvesting, processing and materials handling machinery.
6. Operate, test and maintain machine systems.
7. Inflate tires to proper air pressure to carry the heaviest load.
8. Adjust equipment to field and crop condition.
9. Identify different types of metal.
10. Lay out and prepare metal for arc welding.
11. Start up, shut down and secure equipment.
12. Weld basic joints in all positions.
13. Prepare for and apply hard surfacing alloys.
14. Adjust machines for various metals, joints and thicknesses.
15. Start up, shut down and secure welding equipment.
16. Light and adjust the torch flame for specific welding or cutting operations.
17. Lay out and prepare metal for welding or cutting.
18. Estimate and calculate welding materials costs.
19. Adjust machines for various types of thickness of metal.
20. Prepare grinding and sharpening equipment.
21. Recondition hand tools such as hammers, twist drills, chisels, punches and screwdrivers.
22. Recondition keen edge metal cutting tools.
23. Join metals with appropriate fasteners.
24. Cut threads with taps and dies.
25. Lay out and drill holes with twist drill.
26. Operate power tools such as nibblers, drills and saws.
27. Operate hand tools such as saws and files.
28. Bend sheet and strap steel to angles or shapes.
29. Shape hot and cold metals using power shears, benders, brakes and saws.
30. Select tools and materials for specific repair jobs.
31. Select and use appropriate safety equipment.
    

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES SYSTEMS COMPETENCIES PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Identify environmental problems in livestock and crop handling 
   and processing buildings.
2. Read and interpret maps including conservation, land use soils,  topographic, aerial and remote sensing, and geological surveys.
3. Describe principles involved in appropriate conservation and/or  land use planning.
4. Read legal land descriptions.
5. Determine land areas.
6. Identify the types and parts of leveling instruments.
7. Determine the difference in elevation of two or more points.
8. Read and interpret a topographic map
9. Describe strip-cropping principles.
10. Select water management techniques including grassed waterways, parallel terrace outlets, tile outlet systems and erosion control structures.
11. Determine types of vegetative cover and mulch for erosion stabilization.
12. Determine and select appropriate cultural tillage or mechanical practices of equipment for specific soil type and residue management.
13. Determine practices to improve or maintain water quality and recharge.
14. Determine appropriate types, locations and uses of erosion and sedimentation control basins.
15. Identify appropriate drainage systems including natural, open drainage, closed gravity and pumping systems.
16. Determine water needs.
17. Identify size system components.
18. Calculate irrigation system requirements.
19. Interpret pump characteristics curves.
20. Determine appropriate waste disposal methods.

SKILLS

1. Set up and level and surveying instrument.
2. Take rod readings.
3. Measure distance with tape and/or instruments.
4. Lay out corners using instruments.
5. Record field notes for differential, profile and topographic leveling.
6. Determine soil types and selecting appropriate structures or practices.
7. Measure crop residue on the land.
8. Determine field slope and length.
9. Identify soil limitations and determine the effects on land use.
10. Use maps to make selection and determine location of conservation practices or land use changes.
11. Determine proper waste disposal procedures.

 STRUCTURES SYSTEMS COMPETENCIES
PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Select and evaluate building sites.
2. Determine the size, specifications and layout of building.
3. Select appropriate framing siding, roofing, insulation and vapor barrier materials.
4. Develop a bill of materials.
5. Interpret plans and workings drawings.
6. Identify structural components of buildings.
7. Select preservatives for building materials.
8. Evaluate building construction techniques.
9. Select hand, electric and pneumatic tools.
10. Estimate handling materials, cost and construction time.
11. Identify and select tools and equipment for concrete and masonry construction.
12. Interpret lumber and manufactured wood product grade stamps.
13. Determine ventilation air inlet size based on exhaust fan capacity.
14. Identify alternative construction styles (stud frame, post frame, rigid arch and stressed skin).
15. Identify structural components for each alternative construction style.
16. Specify materials for the construction of wood foundation systems.
17. Develop plans for selected enterprises.

SKILLS

1. Identify, select and apply construction fasteners.
2. Use and maintain hand, electric and pneumatic tools and measuring instruments for building construction.
3. Construct buildings or building components.
4. Lay out and cut structural components.
5. Construct trusses with different building materials
6. Adjust ventilation air inlet openings.

SELECTED REFERENCES

The primary goal of the State FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event is to promote quality agricultural mechanics instructional programs in agricultural education. The following list contains books and manuals that are useful for event preparation. Test questions will be generic in nature and found in several specific sources. It is the goal of the state event committee to reflect mechanization and technological practices in the agricultural production and processing industry. Additional materials may abe obtained from the listed publishers.

SUGGESTED REFERENCES

• Agricultural Power and Machinery. McGraw-Hill
• Turner, J. H. (1987). Small Engines: Operation Maintenance and Repair.
• American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials. Tab Books Inc.
• Cooper, E. L. (1987). Agricultural Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications. Delmar Publishers Inc.
• Instruction Book. Push Mower. Murray Model 20111x78A
• Repair Manual for Single Cylinder 4-Cycle Engines. Briggs & Stratton Corp.
• D.M. Johnson, J. Harper, D.E. Lawrence and P. Burish, Mechanical Technology in Agriculture. Prentice Hall.
• The National Fire Protection Association National Electric Code
• R.V. Hernen and E.L. Cooper. Agricultural Mechanics Fundamentals and Applications, 4th Ed. Delmar Publishing.
  

PUBLISHERS

AAVIM. 220 Smithonia Road, Winterville, GA 30683.

Ag. Education Department, University of Arizona, College of Agriculture, Forbes Building, Room 303, Tucson, AZ 85721.

American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 229250 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085

Briggs-Stratton Corporation, P. O. Box 702, Milwaukee, WI 53201

Engine Service Association (ESA), 701 N. Plankinton Ave., Suite 333, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Hobar Publishers, 1234 Tiller Lane, St. Paul, MN 55112.

John Deere Service Training, John Deere Road, Dept. 150, Moline, IL 61265-8098.

Midwest Plan Service (MWPS), 122 Davidson Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

Vocational Agricultural Service, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, 1401 S. Maryland Drive