Working with Small Engines Workshop

In this workshop, participants will dive deep into the inner workings of 2 and 4 stroke gasoline engines. We will learn how they function, their parts, preventative maintenance, and how to diagnose common issues. Later in the session, participants will receive hands-on time using provided tools to take apart 4 stroke engines or service their own small engine (optional: Bring-Your-Own!). This class is ideal for folks who have operated or own small engines and want to learn how to care for and fix them.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own 2 stroke or 4 stroke small, gasoline engines, but it is not required for participants to have an engaging experience. SG Groat will facilitate the workshop.

Schedule:

1:30a - 3:30p Part 1

3:30 - 4:00p BREAK*

4:00 - 6:15p Part 2

6:15 - 6:30p Closing

Working with Small Engines is a mechanical class, not an operational class. This means we are not learning how to operate the equipment but how to care for, maintain, and make repairs on your small engines. Additionally, this class will not cover propane powered engines.

*Food will not be provided for this workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks, water bottle, and food. There is a microwave and refrigerator available to store and heat your food during the break.

About the Facilitator

Since 2018, SG Groat (they/she) has been providing timely, honest and affordable service and repair work for farms and teaching farmers how to operate and maintain equipment. Over the past 18 years of farming, SG developed skills in operating and fixing farm equipment. They started their farming journey in 2008 operating shakers and forklifts for a cherry farm in northern Michigan while attending the University of Michigan and they have been working on farms ever since. 

In 2018, SG started traveling to farms in the Hudson Valley to repair tractors and found a demand from farmers to learn how to service, repair, and troubleshoot their own machines.  SG created day-long workshops designed to give farmers the information and understanding they need to operate machines safely, keep their equipment well-maintained, and be able to perform their own repairs.

Since then, SG has traveled across the Northeast, working with individual farms and farming organizations to train hundreds of farmers on the function, safety, and service of their equipment. SG lives in Greenwich, New York in Washington County.

Spaces are limited. Registration early to ensure your spot.

Access Notes

• COVID-19 Safety: Please stay home if you feel sick, suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past week, are recovering from COVID-19 and/or live/share indoor space with someone who currently has COVID-19 in order to minimize spread. Masks are optional outdoors, but required in all indoor space. Please bring your own mask (ideally N95 masks, we will have a limited amount available). We will have hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available.

• WAIVER: Please fill out this waiver before coming to the farm

• We will be starting promptly at 1:30 PM. Please come on time or plan to arrive a few minutes early because we have a lot of information to share!

• TERRAIN: The land on the farm is uneven and can be muddy depending on recent weather. We recommend sturdy shoes like work boots to make walking more comfortable. The farm is not currently wheelchair or mobility aid accessible.

• WEATHER: Please check and dress for the weather. Depending on the day, this might mean a light jacket, boots, sun hat, sunscreen, etc.

• TICKS! We do have ticks in some areas on the farm. We encourage you to do a tick check when you get home. Some other preventative measures include: wearing light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, or socks over pants.

• TOILETS: We have one single-stall accessible port-a-potty and a compost toilet in our office for bathrooms! Handwashing stations are located next to each toilet. All visitors and crew must wash hands before returning to participate.

• ANIMALS: For the safety of our farm team and other attendees , please leave your furry animal companions (pets) at home. However, we do welcome Emotional Support and Service Animals. Please email to let us know if you plan to bring a service animal with you.

For all additional inquiries, email programs@rocksteadyfarm.com with questions.