I want to thank everyone for commenting on my post. I never realized this could be such a hot topic. Some additional thoughts:
It seems like some say that mechanics in the farm industry don't make much money, while others say that they do. I think there is a wide variation among employers that causes the wage difference. I don't know what the JD dealer I mention pays his mechanics, but I do know that his mechanics seem to live ok, probably better than most people around here.
With the new computerized technology getting into everything from tractors to combines to planters, I don't think that dealers--at least the good ones--are going to get by anymore just with a guy who knows how to turn a socket wrench. Farm equipment technology has changed drastically just in the last 5 years. These aren't your Dad's tractors and combines anymore. I was reading a manual for one of the new big combines, and I was amazed at how complex and elaborate it was. Many of the latest tractors and combines are now wired with a LAN data computer network, and the literature was about serial communications and digital gateways---VERY technical stuff! Plus, if you add in GPS you have a very technical machine. Not only do machinery techs have to have a good mechanical knowledge, they almost have to be knowlegeable in Digital Electronics technology.
And no longer are models staying the same year after year. According to a farm mechanic I spoke to, they almost have to have 2 weeks of factory training every year just to keep up and stay knowledgeable with all the new stuff coming out of the factories.
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