[AT] Agricultural Equipment Diagnostic Technicians

[Jack]

In the Automotive Technology courses I took, most preferred to use the SnapOn hand held diagnostic tools. OTC hand helds were also used.

I recently purchased a 14 inch spread OTC puller. I eventually had a reason to speak to Tech Support and found out that Bosch owns OTC. Looks like Bosch acquired OTC to get a larger presence in the automotive diagnostic tool market.

I believe the automotive companies do not share the engine control module operating algorithms. Everything has to be determined experimentally, an expensive process. I wonder if Bosch/OTC offers tractor diagnostic tools. I bet the cost to reverse engineer the control module operating algorithms makes developing a successful model prohibitively expensive. Since Deere opposes right to repair, they might sue any company that develops a scan tool that works on their equipment.

Cecil:
     I think James reveals way more of his personal details than he should. Anyway, I wanted to tell you of one of my experiences. I took the required  courses in Automotive Technology that a Community College offered. I then saw a listing for an Operating Engineers mechanic apprenticeship on the program's bulletin board. The IUOE wanted community college technical courses as a prerequisite for their program. That trade is divided into the operator and mechanic specialties. The tractors you would be working on are construction type.


[ Cecil Bearden] <snip> Personally I think the apprenticeship programs are the way to go.   <snip