The days of the heavy toolbox are gone, and today's technician is more likely to be equipped with a laptop computer loaded with diagnostic software, as agricultural machinery becomes more complicated and intelligent.
The service technician's role is certainly more technical than ever, but while high-tech electronics and on-board computers mean farm machinery is more complex, the equipment is also more reliable; this means the role of those employed in this vital career is switching from repairs to maintenance – particularly when remote telematics can give dealers an early warning of likely component failures.
For the past 12 years, Workshop LIVE has provided a behind-the-scenes look at the job of the agricultural technician, and this year it will again feature a team of 15 real people from real companies, including apprentices, live in action. They will take part in half-hour shows, presented live by a moderator, as they carry out a specific maintenance task on an item of machinery. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session, and there will still be time for face-to-face discussions with the technician after that.
The sessions will start on the hour from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs, and the machines featured this year include: a Valtra tractor; a telescopic handler from New Holland; a disc mower from Krone; a Claas ball press; a Kubota wheeled loader; a chainsaw from Stihl; and tyre-fitting equipment from Bohnenkamp.
Hosted by DLG (German Agricultural Society) together with the German Agricultural Engineering Association (LandBauTechnik), Workshop LIVE will take place in Hall 2 at Agritechnica, home of the International Dealer and Service Provider Centre and Information Centre for the Used Machinery Trade. The live demonstrations, with commentary in German, will also be projected on a large plasma screen, making it easy for a large audience to follow closely the various steps that take place in the workshop.
“During the course of the seven days at Agritechnica we will showcase more than 50 live demonstrations involving repair work on tractors and other equipment,” says Heinzbert Mies, the project manager for Workshop LIVE. “This is also a great opportunity to show the exciting and challenging side of the profession, as it involves working with top-line technology that is constantly evolving and improving. Nothing could be more perfect for someone who enjoys working with their hands, and with tractors.”
As well as the hourly demonstrations conducted daily, students from the Hanover area have been invited to visit Agritechnica and participate in Workshop LIVE. This aims to expose young people to the agriculture sector, giving them the chance to ask questions and discover for themselves the opportunities that are available. Training experts will also be present to provide tips on vocational courses available in the field of agri-mechanics and engineering.
Agritechnica 2019 takes place at Hanover' Exhibition Grounds from the 10th to 16th November (with special preview days on 10th and 11th November). More than 2,750 exhibitors from all over the world have registered to take part. More information for international visitors considering a visit to the event can be found online at: www.agritechnica.com
