72 Credits DIP3139, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The diploma is designed to prepare learners for entry level career opportunities in the diesel, farm equipment, and industrial mechanics fields. Learners will diagnose and repair engines, fuel systems, power trains, electrical systems, hydraulics, air conditioning, and related machinery. With additional training and experience many technicians become shop foreman, service managers or open their own business.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 72 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $15,440
Tools and Equipment: $1,800
Total Estimated Cost: $17,240 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (23 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
AGME1801 Outdoor Power Equipment (3 credits)
This course covers operational theory and service competencies necessary to service small four-stroke cycle engines, two-stroke cycle engines, lawn/garden equipment, and chain saws. Fuel systems, electrical systems, tune-up, drive train adjustment, and attachments are emphasized. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1812 Equipment Assembly, Operation, Adjustment and Reconditioning I (2 credits)
This course covers basic tillage and planting equipment. The student will learn all component parts and proper adjustment of units. Machine adjustment may be accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples, and actual equipment, or on field trips. In the machinery set-up and reconditioning portion the student identifies set-up and reconditioning procedures, follows the set-up and operator's manual, uses a checksheet, uses a torque chart, learns the procedure for threading and taping, installs heli-coils and keenserts, sharpens drill bits, installs the hydraulic system, follows the hydraulic diagram, assembles machinery, touches up paint, and adjusts the equipment for field use. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1813 Equipment Assembly, Operation, Adjustment and Reconditioning II (2 credits)
This course covers basic harvesting equipment. The student will learn all component parts and proper adjustment of units. Machine adjustment may be accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples, and actual equipment, or on field trips. In the machinery set-up and reconditioning portion the student identifies set-up and reconditioning procedures, follows the set-up and operator's manual, uses a checksheet, uses a torque chart, learns the procedure for threading and taping, installs heli-coils and keenserts, sharpens drill bits, installs the hydraulic system, follows the hydraulic diagram, assembles machinery, touches up paint, and adjusts the equipment for field use. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1821 Precision Measuring Tools (1 credits)
This course covers using precision tools. The student will learn to use micrometers and vernier calipers (English and metric); torque wrenches; small hole and telescoping gauges; dial bore gauges; steel, iron, and wire gauges; feeler gauges; thread pitch gauges and plastigauges. Students will also learn compression testing (gas and diesel), cylinder leakage testing, and radiator cap, thermostat, and antifreeze testing. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1822 Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I (3 credits)
This course covers overhauling an engine. Students will rebuild gas and diesel heads. Steps covered include grinding valves, seats, and rocker arms; replacing worn seats and guides; testing springs; and reassembling heads. In addition, students will perform tasks such as engine removal/replacement and disassembly/reassembly; sleeve removal/replacement; and crankshaft, camshaft, sleeve, piston, bearing, and rod measuring. The reassembled engine will be timed, adjusted, and tested on the dynamometer. (Prerequisites: AGME 1821)
AGME1823 Engine Support Systems and Lab (3 credits)
This course covers cooling, lubrication, and intake/exhaust systems. The student will identify, troubleshoot, and repair each of the systems. The student will also become familiar with special tools necessary to service these systems. The laboratory portion of the class involves overhauling an engine and should be taken in conjunction with AGME1822. Students will increase their understanding and knowledge by applying the materials and procedures learned in Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I. (Prerequisite: AGME 1821)
AGME1831 Tractor Power Trains (3 credits)
This course includes lecture instruction and laboratory experience in dry clutches, wet clutches, mechanical transmissions, power take-off units, final drives, differentials, brakes, and steering. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1861 Tractor Electrical Systems (3 credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of electricity and its application to farm equipment electrical systems. The content includes wiring diagrams, batteries, test equipment, charging systems, cranking systems, ignition systems, and diagnostic service procedures. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1881 Parts Department Operation (1 credits)
This course covers the basics in the operation of an agricultural equipment dealership. The major emphasis is the parts department area. A total review of this department will be covered in class. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME1891 Hydraulic Theory (1 credits)
This course covers basic hydraulic systems used with modern agricultural equipment. This course will focus on the basic principles and the study of hydraulic components that make up the modern hydraulic systems. Students must read and sign the safety eyeglass form required by the state. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME1923 Gas/Diesel Engine Repair II (4 credits)
This course is designed to assist the students in building their understanding and application of materials and procedures learned in Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I, Power Trains, Electrical Systems, and other mechanical courses. The students will repair customer units. The primary repair work will involve engine overhaul (gas and diesel), clutch, brake, and electrical repairs. Customer units must be completed by the end of the course. (Prerequisites: AGME1821. Students must be enrolled in the Agribusiness Service Technician program)
AGME1930 Ag Welding (2 credits)
This is an introduction to both electric arc and gas welding. Also included is a short section on the wire welding system. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2832 Hydraulic Assist/Hydrostatic Transmissions (2 credits)
This course covers speed change, powershaft, and hydrostatic transmissions. The student identifies transmission operation, traces powerflow, and diagnoses problems. The student performs disassembly, repairing, reassembly, testing, and adjusting of various transmissions. The transmissions covered in the course include John Deere 8 and 16 speed, International Harvester TA, White 3 speed, Case RPS-34, Case-IH Magnum, and Sunstrand/Eaton hydrostatic. (Prerequisites: AGME 1821, AGME 1831)
AGME2841 Air Conditioning (1 credits)
This course covers the air conditioning system. The student will reclaim, evacuate, charge, test, and diagnose the air conditioning system. Refrigerant identification equipment will be utilized. Compressor seal and head gasket replacement is included. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2852 Introduction to Diesel (1 credits)
This course covers an introduction to the diesel system, components, operation, and servicing nozzles. The student will study construction and operation of nozzles, as well as test, clean, repair, adjust, and diagnose multi-orifice and pintle nozzles. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2853 Diesel Injection (Pumps) (3 credits)
This course covers the operation, disassembly, repair, and adjustment of injection pumps. Rotary injection pumps covered are the Roosa Master DB, DC, DM2, DM4, and DB2 diesel pumps, the CAV DPA diesel pump, the Robert Bosch VE diesel pump, and the United Technologies Model 100 diesel pump. The Robert Bosch PES inline injection pump with the RSV governor will be included. Students will identify pump operation and component parts; disassemble, repair, and adjust internal parts; reassemble the pump; and perform pump adjustments on the test bench. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME2863 Advanced Agricultural Electrical/Electronics (2 credits)
This course covers review, troubleshooting, and diagnosis of charging and starting systems. Reading of schematics for all electrical areas are also included. Other areas covered are theory and operation of lighting, warning, accessory, cooling, steering, shifting, and hitch control circuits. Monitoring and control circuits found on planters and combines are included. G.P.S. systems will be touched on with equipment availability. (Prerequisites: AGME 1861)
AGME2882 Ag Tech Seminar (1 credits)
This course is designed to cover career opportunities, prospective placement, and current technical problems in the Agricultural Mechanics field. Time spent with topic areas may vary. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2892 Hydraulic Theory and Diagnosis (4 credits)
This course covers the hydraulic systems found on most agricultural and industrial equipment. The hydraulic diagrams, pumps, open/closed/pfc systems, valve types, electric over hydraulics, and JIC diagrams are presented. The students will identify, test, diagnose, and repair hydraulic systems and components such as control valves, power steering, brakes, pumps, rockshafts, and motors. This course includes use of the flow rator, flow meter, and pressure gauges. (Prerequisites: AGME 1891)
AGME2945 Tractor/Equipment Repair I (3 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students perform repair services on customer tractors and school units. (Prerequisites: AGME 1822, 1823, 1831, 1891, 1923)
AGME2946 Tractor/Equipment Repair II (4 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students perform repair services on customer tractors and school units. (Prerequisite: AGME 2945)
AGME2947 Tractor/Equipment Diagnosis and Repair (4 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students will perform repair services on customer tractors and school units and will compare their component repair time with flat rate. If you have a disability and need accommodations to participate in the course activities, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. (Prerequisites: AGME 2945. Student must be enrolled in the Agribusiness Service Technician program)
SGAG1000 Ag Orientation (1 credits)
Students will become oriented to the careers in agriculture related to the specific filed they plan to enter. Completion of interviews of industry professionals will be required and students will need to write a career plan relating to the path they have been oriented. (Prerequisite: None)
Internship (11 Credits)
Complete 11 credits:
AGME2940 Agribusiness Service Technician Internship (1 - 9 credits)
This course is a cooperative work-study program between the South Central College Agribusiness Department Service Technicians program and area dealership or industry, which allows the student an employment-like work experience. Application of competencies gained from previous coursework will be emphasized. Specific tasks to be accomplished by the student will be identified in an individualized student training plan. Variable credits 1-9 (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Agribusiness Service Technician Program)
Elective Credits (1 Credit)
Complete 1 credit from courses offered in the following departments in consultation with faculty: AGBS, AGEC, AGRI, ANSC, MEAG, PLSC, SGAG, SWPR, OTEC, HLTH
Arts and Sciences (6 Credits)
Students must select 6 MNTC credits from 2 of the 10 MnTC goal areas in consultation with advisor/faculty.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
