Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Agricultural Equipment Operator
What agricultural equipment operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Grease and inspect the combine. From there, the day usually includes operate tractors for tilling and planting, run combines at harvest, and operate sprayers and spreaders. Hours are very long during planting and harvest, and slower in winter.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an agricultural equipment operator working full time.
- Grease and inspect the combine.
- Check moisture and start harvesting corn.
- Unload into the grain cart on the go.
- Adjust combine settings for changing conditions.
- Clear a minor plug safely after shutting down.
- Keep harvesting under lights.
- Record yield data and refuel.
Where agricultural equipment operators work
Operators work in fields and farm yards, mostly in equipment cabs, during long seasonal days.
Hours and schedule
Hours are very long during planting and harvest, and slower in winter.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate tractors for tilling and planting
- Run combines at harvest
- Operate sprayers and spreaders
- Use GPS and precision guidance
- Haul grain and materials
- Inspect and maintain equipment
- Record field data
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tractors and planters
- Combines
- Sprayers
- GPS guidance systems
- Grain carts and trucks
- Yield monitors
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with advanced machinery
- Outdoors in rural areas
- Seasonal overtime
- Learn on the job
What’s hard
- Long seasonal hours
- Repetitive driving
- Equipment hazards
- Seasonal work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like driving big machines
- I enjoy rural work
- I can focus for long hours
- I like technology
- I don’t mind seasonal work
- I’m safety-minded
Not sure? Take the free Agricultural Equipment Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Shut down and remove keys before clearing plugs
- Use ROPS and seat belts
- Follow PTO safety
- Use lights and SMV emblems on roads