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Hay Loader Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Diagnoses and repairs Caterpillar equipment including compactors, excavators, loaders, dozers, and ... Challenger tractors, combines or hay equipment; AGCO RoGators, TerraGators, and SpraCoupes;

Diagnoses and repairs Caterpillar equipment including compactors, excavators, loaders, dozers, and ... Challenger tractors, combines or hay equipment; LEXION combines; AGCO RoGators, TerraGators, and ...

Diagnoses and repairs Caterpillar equipment including compactors, excavators, loaders, dozers, and ... Challenger tractors, combines or hay equipment; LEXION combines; AGCO RoGators, TerraGators, and ...

Diagnoses and repairs Caterpillar equipment including compactors, excavators, loaders, dozers, and ... Challenger tractors, combines or hay equipment; AGCO RoGators, TerraGators, and SpraCoupes;

Johnston, Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA Part time R249635 Additional Considerations (if any): Daytime ... Organize, gather, and load online orders, ensuring all items are stored at the proper temperature ...

Hay Loader information

What is a hay loader?

Hay loaders are machines or attachments designed to pick up, lift, and load hay bales onto trailers or storage areas. They are commonly used in agricultural settings to make the process of collecting and transporting hay more efficient and less labor-intensive. Hay loaders can be standalone machines or attachments for tractors, and they handle both square and round bales. Their use helps farmers save time and reduce manual handling, thereby improving productivity and safety on the farm.

What are some typical challenges faced by a hay loader and how can they be managed safely and efficiently?

Hay Loaders often work in physically demanding environments, handling large and sometimes unwieldy bales of hay. Common challenges include working in extreme weather, maintaining proper lifting techniques to prevent injury, and operating machinery safely around other workers and livestock. Effective communication with team members and adhering to safety protocols are key to managing these challenges. Regular maintenance of equipment and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) also contribute to a safer and more efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hay loader and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hay Loader, you need physical strength, stamina, and basic understanding of farm safety procedures, often gained through on-the-job training rather than formal education. Familiarity with tractors, hay balers, and loading equipment is important, and some employers may require knowledge of basic maintenance or forklift certification. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe handling and transport of hay, which is vital for farm productivity and animal welfare.

What is the difference between Hay Loader vs Farm Hand?

Hay LoaderFarm Hand
Specializes in loading, stacking, and transporting hay using machinery or manual laborPerforms a variety of farm tasks including planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance
Requires knowledge of hay handling equipment and safety proceduresRequires broad farming skills, including equipment operation and animal care
Typically works during hay season in agricultural settingsWorks year-round on farms with diverse responsibilities

The main difference is that a Hay Loader focuses specifically on hay handling tasks, often during harvest season, while a Farm Hand has a broader role involving multiple farm activities. Both roles are essential in agricultural operations but differ in scope and specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Hay Loader jobs in Iowa?

For Hay Loader jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hay Loader job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Field Service Technician - GNRL

Holland, IA • On-site

Ziegler CAT
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$38 - $51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Ziegler CAT rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 178 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

Ziegler CAT has an opening for a full-time, experienced Field Service Technician to work on heavy diesel truck, construction, power generation, and agricultural equipment. We are looking for a dedicated employee with excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills to help deliver top notch service as a mechanic to our rapidly growing customer base.
SEE YOURSELF AT ZIEGLER
Founded in 1914, Ziegler is a third-generation, family-owned CAT dealer with over 2400 employees across 30+ locations in Minnesota, Iowa and northern Missouri. Since day one Ziegler has had the same philosophy- if the customer is successful- then Ziegler will be successful. That is why Ziegler is committed to providing employees with the best possible work environment and the right tools for career development. This means great benefits, work/life balance, and ongoing professional development and training. Fulfill your calling by starting a career with Ziegler today!
The pay range for this position is $38.00 to $51.00
Starting wage is dependent on skills, experience, education and location. Pay range may vary by 10% depending upon the applicant's location. Along with competitive pay, full time positions are benefits eligible which includes:
  • Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • 15 days of PTO your first year, accrual starts day 1
  • 9 paid holidays
  • 401(k) plan with company contribution and match
  • HSA (Health Savings Account), Ziegler contributes up to $1000 tax-free each year
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, FSA & EAP
  • Paid Parental Leave & Funeral Leave
  • Fitness membership discount
  • Education Assistance
  • Safety Boot Reimbursement, PPE & Uniforms provided
  • Tool Insurance
  • Safe, clean and friendly work environment

Responsibilities:
  • Diagnoses and repairs Caterpillar equipment including compactors, excavators, loaders, dozers, and other heavy construction equipment, power generation, as well as agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, balers, sprayers, tillage equipment, and planters in the area
  • Responds to customer needs in a positive, supportive, and timely manner to ensure maximum value for work performed; a company truck is provided
  • Using a high degree of independent judgment, assumes responsibility for the safe maintenance and repair of a variety of complex equipment and tools, which involve mechanical, hydraulic, gas, diesel, and electrical systems at branch or customer locations
  • Maintains a clean and safe work area, adheres to all safety procedures; maintains a service vehicle in a clean and professional manner, and ensures the vehicle is always properly maintained
  • Positively interacts with manager and team members to satisfy customer needs
  • Provides assistance to all other levels of technicians as needed in regard to troubleshooting repairs
  • Communicates job status with supervisor and communicates job is completed to receive the subsequent assignment.
  • Maintains paperwork documentation of work performed (work orders) in a complete and timely manner on a daily/job basis
  • Documents labor, addition of segments, assuring that work order can be closed and billed as communicated with the customer
  • Willing to respond to after hour emergency calls as directed by supervisor
  • Identifies and communicates the need for parts for inventory
  • Performs other duties as assigned/required

Qualifications:
  • 2-year technical degree or high school diploma and several years of comparable mechanic experience
  • 5+ years of relevant diesel equipment repair experience, preferably some field experience
  • Knowledge of hydraulics, transmissions, undercarriage, track systems, components, electrical, and fuel systems;
  • Previous experience with CAT equipment; Challenger tractors, combines or hay equipment; AGCO RoGators, TerraGators, and SpraCoupes; Sunflower tillage equipment; or White Planters a plus but not required
  • Possesses the ability to diagnose all equipment without supervision; is also able to read, follow, understand, and communicate schematics.
  • Personal characteristics: Desire to provide outstanding, professional customer service, strong attention to detail, excellent problem solver, committed, and possesses written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to maintain safe and clean work environment
  • Willing and able to respond to after-hour emergency calls as directed by supervisor
  • Basic computer skills
  • Own mechanic tool set
  • Must have and maintain a clean driving record
  • Able to operate equipment safely
  • This role is deemed safety-sensitive and will be subject to a drug test as a pre-employment requirement

Minimum Physical Requirements:
  • Push/pull up to 50 lbs
  • Lift/carry up to 60 lbs
  • Lift bulky objects
  • Neck rotation, trunk rotation, stair climbing, repetitive bending, kneeling, sustained squat, forward reaching, overhead reaching, reach and lift, ladder climb and carry, crawling.
  • Working conditions may be indoor and/or outdoor. Noise level may be loud at times.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Ziegler Inc. will reasonably accommodate the known disabilities of qualified disabled individuals.
At Ziegler Inc. we're committed to equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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