Our one-year technical diploma is geared toward the hands-on learner who is seeking a minimal amount of time in college in pursuit of an entry-level position in the agricultural mechanics field.
Ag Tech student performing maintenance checks on a tractor
Agriculture Equipment Service Technician
Program Number: 310705
Your Degree: Technical Diploma
Estimated Time to Complete: 35 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Transportation
Estimated Program Cost: $6,772.95
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
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  • Program Overview

    The Agriculture Equipment Service Technician technical diploma will get you the skills required for entry-level work servicing and repairing agricultural equipment and machinery.

    Real-world, Hands-on Learning

    Enjoy hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art shop environment with instruction from our award-winning faculty.

    The technical diploma curriculum is designed with input from local employers to ensure the courses get you the real-world skills you need to be successful in the industry.

    In this program, you’ll develop critical diagnostic and troubleshooting skills and technical knowledge to service and repair: 

    • diesel engine systems
    • drive trains
    • hydraulics
    • electrical systems
    • global positioning systems (GPS)
    • air conditioning
    • materials handling equipment
    • harvesting equipment

    Students in the Agriculture Equipment Service Technician program attend classes full time at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!

    As a Madison College agricultural equipment student, you'll earn the technical diploma upon completion of the first-year curriculum automatically. If you choose to continue your education, all your credits will seamlessly transfer into the associate degree program.

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    Ready to Learn More?

    We’d love to talk with you about the Agriculture Equipment Service Technician program. Complete this form to get the conversation started!


    What’s Agricultural Equipment Technology?

    Learn more about the agricultural equipment profession and why students choose Madison College for career training.

    View Ag Equipment Technology Options

  • Program Courses

    Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester. 

    Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.

    First Semester
    10-070-100
    Introduction to Agricultural Equipment
    Includes a discussion of the job requirements, skills needed, career options and employment opportunities in agricultural equipment repair and maintenance. Introduces basic mechanics, shop procedures, safety practices, tools and using service resources.
    2 credits
    10-070-115
    Planting and Seeding
    This course provides instruction in the theory of operation, adjustment and service of planting equipment. Students will learn the operation and service of corn planters and grain drills. Emphasis is given to how the corn planter seed meters work and how the attachments operate. In addition, the course also provides information on the theory, operation, adjustment and service of planting and seeding equipment.
    3 credits
    10-070-105
    Electricity 1
    This class begins with a discussion of the laws of electricity as they relate to the operation of the charging, starting and lighting systems. Diagnostic testing and troubleshooting will be demonstrated on alternators, starters and lighting systems. Methods of repair will be demonstrated where methods are currently used at the dealerships.
    3 credits
    10-070-135
    Basic Fuel Systems
    This course covers the theory of operation, construction and service of diesel engine mechanical fuel systems. Timing and adjustments and diagnostics of fuel systems along with air intake and exhaust systems including turbo chargers will also be covered.
    2 credits
    10-070-191
    Engine Repair Theory
    Study in this course will allow the student to develop a basic knowledge of combustion engine design and operation with the major emphasis on diesel engines. Experience in the course will provide the student with the skills and knowledge needed to diagnose, overhaul, maintain, adjust and repair engines found in agricultural machines and equipment.
    3 credits
    10-070-205
    Electricity 2
    This class builds on proficiency with electrical/electronic test equipment in the testing of Ag equipment electrical systems. Testing and troubleshooting will be demonstrated on starting, charging and accessory systems. Relays, analog sensors, Hall Effect sensors, and other electrical component function, operation, and testing will be demonstrated.
    3 credits
    10-412-110
    Metalworking for Heavy-Duty Applications
    This course focuses on welding and metal cutting safety as it applies to heavy-duty applications. Students will learn to setup and use welding and cutting equipment to weld and cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials commonly used in heavy-duty applications. Skill development emphasis will be placed on cutting metal with oxy-fuel and plasma arc methods. Welding techniques and procedures for SMAW and GMAW will also be included. In addition, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate layout procedures and complete fabrication projects.
    2 credits
    Second Semester
    10-070-125
    Hydraulics 1
    This course introduces the student to the hydraulic systems found on agricultural equipment. Demonstrate the theory of open and closed hydraulic systems. The component configuration and operational characteristics of this equipment will be introduced. Students will service and rebuild the pump, control valves and other components of the hydraulic system. Students will follow the technical manual diagnostic procedures to troubleshoot hydraulic system problems.
    3 credits
    10-070-145
    Basic Powertrain
    The course covers the operation, power flow, diagnosis and servicing of collar shift, synchronized transmissions, drive axles, and differentials. The class also discusses the operation and service of wet and dry clutches, power take off (PTO) drives and mechanical front wheel drives.
    3 credits
    10-070-193
    Mobile Heating & Air Conditioning
    This course covers the theory of operation, service and testing of air conditioning units used to cool and heat the operator's cab. Lab work consists of leak detecting, evacuation, charging component installations, electrical circuits and troubleshooting of systems. Air conditioning service certification tests are also given to students enrolled in this course.
    2 credits
    10-070-215
    Crop Harvesting
    This course provides instruction in the theory of operation and service of combines, headers, hay & forage equipment including balers, mower conditioners and forest harvesters. Students will learn how the equipment processes the crop, the basic components, means of service, repair and adjustments of the machines.
    3 credits
    10-070-225
    Hydraulics 2
    This course component configuration and operational characteristics of this equipment will be introduced. Students will service and rebuild the pump, control valves and other components of the hydraulic system. Students will follow the technical manual diagnostic procedures to troubleshoot hydraulic system problems.
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    Written Communication
    Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.
    3 credits
  • How to Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.

    Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!

    This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity. It shares this capacity with other programs that have similar curriculum.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2026

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026

    Fall 2027

    • Application available on October 15, 2026
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:

    • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED completion
    • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
        • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Agriculture Equipment Service Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    Agriculture Equipment Service Technician Program Outcomes

    Agriculture Equipment Service Technician technical diploma graduates are prepared to:

    • Follow and practice safety procedures in the workplace.
    • Use and understand the tools that allow you to diagnose and repair problems accurately and efficiently.
    • Diagnose and repair various types of components, equipment and machines, such as:
      • electrical systems
      • digital data systems
      • hydraulic systems
      • internal combustion engines
      • powertrains/transmissions
      • air conditioning systems
    • Set up and maintain components, systems and equipment to their original level of performance.

    Agriculture Equipment Service Technician Career Outcomes

    Technical diploma program graduates are qualified for entry-level technician positions servicing and repairing agricultural equipment and machinery. Entry-level job titles may include:

    • Ag Dealership Parts Person
    • Ag Dealership Service Technician
    • Ag Dealership Service Writer
    • Field Service Technician
    • Harvesting Operator/Technician

    With additional education, including Madison College’s Agricultural Equipment Technology associate degree, and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Service Technician
    • Field Service Technician
    • Lead Technician
    • Shop Foreman
    • Service Writer Coordinator
    • Customer Support Representative
    • Agricultural Equipment Sales
    • Consumer Products Sales
    • Service Manager
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202320242025
      Number of Program Graduates6810
      Number of Surveys Sent6810
      Number of Surveys Returned489
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment034
      Percent Available for Employment0.0%37.5%44.4%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market100.0%62.5%55.6%
      Available for Employment

      202320242025
      Graduates Employed034
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation034
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%0.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202320242025
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.53.83.8
      Number of Satisfaction Responses244
      Very Satisfied (4)133
      Percent Very Satisfied50.0%75.0%75.0%
      Satisfied (3)111
      Percent Satisfied50.0%25.0%25.0%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202320242025
      Number of Primary Reason Responses489
      Preparation for Getting a Job101
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job25.0%0.0%11.1%
      Career Change000
      Percent Career Change0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Improvement of Existing Skills122
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills25.0%25.0%22.2%
      Preparation for Further Education265
      Percent Preparation for Further Education50.0%75.0%55.6%
      Personal Interest001
      Percent Personal Interest0.0%0.0%11.1%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202320242025
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses034
      Before Enrollment014
      Percent Before Enrollment33.3%100.0%
      While Attending the College020
      Percent While Attending the College66.7%0.0%
      After Training at the College000
      Percent After Training at the College0.0%0.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202320242025
      Number of Employment Location Responses034
      In College District014
      Percent In College District33.3%100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District010
      Percent of In Wisconsin33.3%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown010
      Percent Location Unknown33.3%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202320242025
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count13
      Average Monthly Wage$3,096$4,243
      Average Hourly Wage$18.00$24.67
      Average Work Hours per Week57.543.3
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count11
      Average Hourly Wage$14.00$17.00
      Average Work Hours per Week15.015.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Insight FSField EquipmentMarshall
      Pfister & Sons DairyFarmhandWisconsin Dells
      Riesterer & Schnell IncStudent Service TechnicianWestfield
      Waupun Equipment Co IncDiesel TechnicianWatertown

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)