Heavy equipment has quite literally helped shape our world. From paving the way for expansion to new construction and feeding the masses, the assistance of large machines like trains, farm machinery and bulldozers have made our modern lives possible. With this reliance on machinery it is easy to see the need for heavy equipment mechanics all over the world. In 2008 there were close to 200,000 heavy equipment mechanic jobs in America alone, and the market is expected to grow close to ten percent more by 2018. A career as a heavy equipment mechanic or technician is a widely varying field that is in demand and evolving all the time. Modern heavy equipment is laden with computers, sensors and electronics that only a trained professional can maintain and service, and considering the costs of the equipment, the investments they are working on, as well as the safety of everyone around the work site, the task of maintaining these machines can be very challenging.
Heavy equipment duty mechanic jobs fall under quite a few titles including mechanic, technician maintenance supervisor and more. Regardless of the title, they all are basically responsible for many of the same things. The most common tasks for a heavy equipment technician will be the routine maintenance, servicing and inspection of the equipment like engines, transmissions, hydraulics, electrical systems and even the tracks or wheels. With the machinery being composed of many sensors and electronics, technicians commonly employ diagnostic computers, calibration equipment, and meters for a large part of their job, but there is still the need for nuts and bolts, wrenches and good old fashioned elbow grease. A heavy equipment mechanic job combines many elements like mechanical technology, engineering, computer technician and electrician into one position.
A heavy equipment mechanic job also requires very good communication skills. Very often you will find yourself with no more information to go on than an operator’s description, and this is usually a vague description at best. Most of the time you will only get a report of a funny sound or bump and from this, you must use your training, experience and specialized tools to diagnose and correct the problem. Many heavy equipment diesel mechanic jobs offer indoor shops and working areas, and many have technicians that work exclusively in the field doing emergency repairs, supervising and even consulting.
Anyone considering a career as a heavy equipment mechanic will need a specific educational background. High school courses should be centered around auto repair, mathematics, chemistry and physics, with a special focus on communication, reading and writing. Technical writing is a must, you will be expected to convey reports that other technicians can read and understand, in addition to passing information on to those without a technical background. You will also need to read and understand technical manuals and design plans on a regular basis. Depending on your particular field, you may want to add things like electronics and computer courses as well. Starting with this foundation, many potential technicians go on to take vocational training courses or begin a college degree. Once properly trained and in the workforce you will most likely be required to continue training and updating your skills, which is most often partially or completely paid by your employer.
A heavy equipment mechanic job is very rewarding, challenging and can provide you with a great way of life. The average pay for a heavy equipment technician is around $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, education, and type of work being performed, and combined with the predicted growth of the market, make it a great career choice. A heavy equipment mechanic job can encompass a variety fields from farming and construction to demolition, transportation and more, offering stability and security in an unstable economic environment.
- Auto Mechanic Jobs
- How to Become an Auto Mechanic?
- Auto Sales Jobs
- How Much Does it Cost to get a Car Painted?
- How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Car Painted?
