Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Heavy duty equipment technicians inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair and verify the repair of heavy duty equipment such as front-end loaders, dozers, dump trucks and compactors. During repairs, they will work on multiple systems such as electrical, hydraulics and diesel and use a range of tools. After repairs, heavy duty equipment technicians will test the performance of the repaired equipment and complete service reports.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Heavy duty equipment technicians work in multiple industries such as agriculture, mines, construction, forestry, marine, transportation, natural resources and materials-handling.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- Heavy Equipment Operators Association
- National Associations of Manufacturers
- State and local equipment operators associations
Salary:
$54,000?
SAE Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Perform maintenance and repair on large mobile and stationary equipment
- Consult equipment operating manuals, blueprints and drawings
- Work on multiple equipment systems such as engines, fuel, electrical, hydrostatic and transmission
- Inspect functional parts of mechanical equipment and heavy machinery
- Test equipment that has been repaired for proper performance
- Bolt, clip, screw or otherwise fasten parts together using common hand tools
- Clean, lubricate and perform other maintenance work
- Diagnose and repair electrical systems and circuitry (a circuit or system of circuits performing a particular function in an electronic device) in accordance with acceptable industry standards
- Estimate time and material costs on vehicle repairs and requisition new parts
- Perform service calls for emergency breakdowns
- Operate and maintain tools, equipment and work areas in accordance with company policy
- Go on-site and perform predelivery inspections of equipment
- Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts
- Perform occasional cutting and welding tasks utilizing both gas and electric welding equipment
- Complete reports and technical documents including service reports
- Maintain a clean, safe work area in compliance with health and safety standards
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially agricultural mechanics
- mathematics
- physics
- English
Education/Training Required:
Heavy duty equipment technicians require a high school diploma, though many attend vocational schools and community colleges for programs such as diesel technology and heavy equipment mechanics. Some countries, such as Canada, require apprenticeships.
