Mechanic

Position: Mechanic Vehicles & Farm Machinery
Department: Engineering / Farm Operations
Reports To: Farm Manager / Operations Manager

Job Purpose

The Mechanic will be responsible for the inspection, servicing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of company vehicles, tractors and farm machinery. The main objective is to keep all equipment in good working condition, reduce breakdowns and ensure machinery is available when required for farm operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out regular servicing, maintenance and repairs of trucks, pickups, 4x4 vehicles, tractors and farm machinery.
• Diagnose mechanical faults and carry out necessary repairs.
• Repair and maintain diesel engines, gearboxes, transmissions, differentials, brakes, steering and suspension systems.
• Identify hydraulic system faults on tractors and agricultural machinery and carry out repairs.
• Inspect vehicles, tractors and machinery regularly to identify problems before breakdown occurs.
• Carry out preventive maintenance according to operating hours, mileage and manufacturer recommendations.
• Respond quickly to breakdowns on the farm or on the road and restore equipment to working condition.
• Maintain and repair agricultural implements such as disc harrows, ploughs, rotavators, trailers, boom sprayers and other farm equipment.
• Check engine oil, transmission oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, filters, belts, hoses, bearings and other service items.
• Identify abnormal engine noise, overheating, oil leakage, vibration or loss of power and determine the cause.
• Carry out replacement of worn or damaged mechanical parts.
• Conduct routine checks of batteries, alternators, starter motors and basic vehicle electrical systems.
• Ensure correct lubricants, filters and spare parts are used for each vehicle or machine.
• Maintain proper records of servicing, repairs and spare parts used.
• Keep a maintenance schedule for all vehicles, tractors and machinery.
• Inform management in advance when major repairs or replacement parts are required.
• Maintain proper control of workshop tools and equipment.
• Keep the workshop and working area clean, organised and safe.
• Ensure repaired equipment is properly tested before being released for operation.
• Guide drivers and tractor operators on correct operation and daily maintenance checks.
• Report misuse, negligence or improper operation of company vehicles and machinery to management.
• Assist management in determining whether damaged parts should be repaired or replaced.
• Perform any other mechanical or maintenance duties assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant technical/vocational qualification in automobile, diesel, agricultural or mechanical engineering is preferred.
• Experienced mechanic with practical hands-on experience in repairing vehicles, tractors and agricultural machinery.
• Strong experience with diesel engines is required.
• Ability to diagnose faults independently and carry out repairs with minimum supervision.
• Experience working with different makes of tractors, trucks and farm machinery will be an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of automotive electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read service manuals and identify correct spare parts.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Good knowledge of preventive maintenance.
• Ability to work under pressure during urgent breakdowns.
• Practical and hands-on approach to repairs.
• Good understanding of workshop safety.
• Ability to properly use mechanical tools, diagnostic equipment and workshop equipment.
• Responsible and careful handling of company tools, spare parts and machinery.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Performance Expectations

The Mechanic will be expected to:

• Minimise vehicle and machinery downtime.
• Reduce repeated breakdowns through proper diagnosis and repair.
• Ensure preventive servicing is completed on time.
• Maintain vehicles and machinery in safe working condition.
• Control unnecessary use and wastage of spare parts and lubricants.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and repair records.
• Ensure equipment is ready when required for farm operations.