A pathway.
Diesel ButlerMAX
ButlerMAX is an ag-focused, dealer-sponsored option within Lake Area Tech’s Diesel program, developed in partnership with Butler Ag Equipment and Butler Machinery Company. This AED-accredited pathway prepares students to step directly into careers as ag diesel technicians across dealership locations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana.
Students split their time between campus and a Butler dealership, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training on industry-leading ag equipment. The program includes 4 paid internships, giving students real-world experience while building relationships within the company. Accepted students receive a scholarship and paid internship package starting at $35,000, with internship wages beginning at $20.50 per hour.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Technology. Students in good standing will transition into full-time employment with a Butler Ag Equipment of Butler Machinery Co. dealership for at least 3 years.
The program is designed to do more than train technicians—it creates a direct path into the field, with opportunities to grow and advance within the company over time. Students will continue to build skills long after graduation. They will receive continued education in BMC’s state-of-the-art training facility, insuring they can adapt seamlessly as new equipment, systems and technologies emerge.
Learn more about the ButlerMax option here.
Business Partners
Diesel ButlerMAX Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Diesel ButlerMAX degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Diesel ButlerMAX sector.
Butler Ag Equipment/Butler Machinery Co.
Graduates of the ButlerMAX program can pursue careers as technicians, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the heavy equipment that powers construction, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. In this role, you'll use advanced diagnostic tools, technical knowledge, and hands-on skills to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working with cutting-edge machinery.
Lube Technician
As an entry point into the diesel and heavy equipment industry, Lube Technician roles give graduates hands-on experience performing preventive maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and basic inspections on trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery. This role builds the foundation for advancement into more technical positions by developing shop safety habits, equipment familiarity, and attention to detail.
Where you might work:
• Dealership service departments
• Fleet maintenance shops
• Agricultural and construction equipment dealers
Lead Technician
With experience and additional certifications, graduates can advance into Lead Technician roles, diagnosing and repairing complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems on diesel engines and heavy equipment. Lead Technicians often mentor junior staff, oversee shop workflow, and serve as the technical point of contact for difficult repairs, combining advanced diagnostic skills with informal leadership responsibility.
Where you might work:
• Dealership service departments
• Equipment manufacturers
• Independent repair shops
Service Advisor
Service Advisors bridge the gap between customers and the shop floor, translating equipment issues into clear repair plans, providing cost and time estimates, and coordinating work between technicians and customers. This role draws on technical knowledge gained through the program along with strong communication skills to build customer trust and keep service operations running smoothly.
Where you might work:
• Dealership service departments
• Equipment rental and service centers
• Product support organizations
Service Manager
Service Managers oversee the daily operations of a shop or service department, managing technician schedules, ensuring quality control, tracking department profitability, and maintaining customer satisfaction. This role calls on technical background combined with leadership, organization, and business skills to keep service operations efficient and aligned with company goals.
Where you might work:
• Dealer corporate offices
• Dealership service departments
• Equipment manufacturers
Store Manager
Store Managers take on broader responsibility for an entire dealership location, overseeing parts, service, and sales operations, managing staff across departments, and driving overall store performance. This role represents a significant step into general business leadership, relying on industry expertise built through hands-on technical experience along with strategic decision-making and personnel management skills.
Where you might work:
• Dealer corporate offices
• Equipment manufacturers
• Multi-location dealership groups (such as Butler Ag Equipment/Butler Machinery Co.)
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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"I learned that education is not always a four-year degree at a big four-year school. You can succeed and have a good career at a two-year institute and be able to get out into the workforce quicker."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,648 |
| State Fees | $3,240 |
| Departmental Fee | $5,448 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,232 |
| Uniform Fee | $280 |
| Tools | $9,250 |
| Books | $600 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $30,698 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Diesel ButlerMAX FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What types of equipment will I work on in the Diesel ButlerMAX program?
Students in the Diesel ButlerMAX program receive hands-on training using primarily AGCO equipment, along with select CAT equipment. On campus, students work with real-world machinery such as a RoGator, Fendt 718, and a wide range of AGCO components, including engines, hydraulic systems, pumps, and drivetrains. Through Lake Area Tech’s close partnership with Butler Machinery, additional up-to-date equipment and components are regularly available, ensuring students train on the same technology used in today’s diesel and agricultural equipment industry.
How does the ButlerMAX dealer-sponsored option prepare students for careers at Butler Machinery?
The ButlerMAX dealer-sponsored diesel program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment as entry-level diesel technicians at Butler Machinery. Students begin with foundational diesel concepts and progress to advanced AGCO systems through a blend of hands-on shop training and classroom instruction. The program features a split-semester format, with approximately 8–9 weeks on campus followed by the remainder of the semester spent at a Butler Machinery dealership, where students gain real-world experience through a paid internship.
What skills will I learn related to engines, hydraulics, and advanced diagnostics?
Diesel ButlerMAX students develop in-depth technical skills through focused, system-based coursework. Students learn how diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and electronic components operate, how they are assembled, and how to diagnose and repair them. Training includes disassembling, inspecting, rebuilding, and testing components to proper working condition. As skills advance, students apply diagnostics and repair techniques directly on full machines, preparing them for real-world troubleshooting and service work in a dealership environment.
Are paid internships or sponsorship opportunities available through Butler Machinery dealerships?
Yes. The Diesel ButlerMAX program includes paid internships each semester through Butler Machinery dealerships. Students spend 8–9 weeks at Lake Area Tech for classroom and shop instruction, followed by a paid internship at a Butler location for the remainder of the semester.
- First-year students earn $20 per hour
- Second-year students earn $21 per hour
Upon graduation, students are offered full-time employment with Butler Machinery. In addition, Butler Machinery provides an $8,500 tool scholarship in exchange for a three-year employment commitment after graduation.
How is the Diesel ButlerMAX track different from other diesel technology options at Lake Area Tech?
The Diesel ButlerMAX track is a dealer-sponsored program with a guaranteed job offer upon graduation, provided students successfully complete the program. Students benefit from industry-leading training, paid internships, and direct access to one of the region’s top diesel equipment employers. Butler Machinery also offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and long-term career growth, making the ButlerMAX program an ideal pathway for students seeking a stable, high-demand diesel technician career.
Diesel ButlerMAX Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
