Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Farm Equipment Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary function of a tractor’s

transmission?

• To lift heavy implements
• To control the engine temperature
• To transmit power from the engine to the wheels or PTO
• To provide hydraulic fluid to attachments

Rationale: The transmission is responsible for transferring engine

power to the wheels or PTO, enabling movement and operation of implements. 1 / 4

• What is the main purpose of a PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft?
• To steer the tractor
• To transfer mechanical power from the tractor to an implement
• To lubricate the engine
• To control fuel flow

Rationale: The PTO shaft transmits engine power to operate

implements like mowers, balers, and augers.

• Which hydraulic fluid type is most commonly used in modern tractors?
• Engine oil
• Gear oil
• Multi-purpose tractor hydraulic fluid (ISO 46)
• Brake fluid

Rationale: ISO 46 multi-purpose tractor hydraulic fluid is designed to

operate transmissions, hydraulics, and wet brakes safely.

• When inspecting a combine harvester, which component is most

critical for preventing grain loss?

• Engine radiator
• Front tires
• Threshing cylinder and concaves
• Operator seat

Rationale: Proper adjustment of the threshing cylinder and concaves

ensures efficient separation of grain from chaff and prevents losses. 2 / 4

• A diesel engine emits white smoke during operation. This usually

indicates:

• Overheating
• Unburned fuel or coolant entering the combustion chamber
• Normal operation
• Low hydraulic pressure

Rationale: White smoke often results from unburned fuel or coolant

entering the combustion chamber, commonly due to injector or head gasket issues.

• Which safety feature prevents a tractor from rolling backward on a

slope?

• PTO clutch
• Engine brake
• Parking brake
• Hydraulic lift

Rationale: The parking brake locks the wheels to prevent the tractor

from rolling when parked on an incline.

• When calibrating a planter, what is the primary goal?
• Adjusting the engine RPM
• Ensuring proper seed spacing and depth
• Checking tire pressure
• Lubricating the gearbox 3 / 4

Rationale: Proper calibration ensures uniform seed spacing and

planting depth, which is critical for crop yield.

• Which type of implement requires a three-point hitch?
• Grain cart
• Tillage plow
• Rotary tiller
• Wagon

Rationale: Three-point hitches are designed for implements like

rotary tillers, plows, and mowers, allowing easy lifting and attachment.

• What is the correct order of operations for safely starting a diesel

tractor?

• Engage PTO → Start → Disengage parking brake
• Turn key → Engage PTO → Release brake
• Check neutral → Engage parking brake → Start engine
• Release parking brake → Start engine → Check neutral

Rationale: Ensuring the tractor is in neutral and the parking brake is

engaged prevents accidental movement at startup.

• Which type of lubricant is typically used in gearboxes and

differentials?

• Engine oil
• Gear oil (SAE 80W-90)
• Hydraulic fluid
• / 4