Heavy Equipment Service Technician
A Heavy Equipment Service Technician is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining and repairing a variety of heavy machinery used across industries such as agriculture, construction, and transportation. They diagnose mechanical and electrical issues using hand tools and computerized equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure the equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typically requiring a high school diploma and postsecondary training in relevant fields, these technicians engage in long-term on-the-job training to hone their skills.
The work environment can be challenging, often requiring technicians to work in noisy, dirty repair shops or on job sites under potentially hazardous conditions. This profession appeals to individuals who enjoy hands-on work, possess strong problem-solving abilities, and are comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. With a median yearly earning of around $61,000 and a job outlook that is faster than average, heavy equipment service technicians can find opportunities for advancement, especially as they gain specialized skills. Continuous education is essential in this evolving field, as technicians must adapt to new technologies and repair methods.
Heavy Equipment Service Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Machinery, working with your hands, solving problems, working as a team
Earnings (Yearly Median): $61,000 per year $29.33 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent; post secondary training
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Heavy equipment service technicians work in a variety of industries, maintaining and repairing a broad range of equipment. They identify problems with heavy machinery and repair them using hand tools and computerized equipment. They are able to disassemble and reassemble complex mechanical systems and electrical components. They also perform preventive maintenance, such as lubricating and inspecting pistons and bearings. Industries in which heavy equipment service technicians work include farming, construction, and transportation.
Work Environment. Heavy equipment service technicians work in an assortment of environments on a variety of machines and vehicles. They commonly work indoors at repair shops, but sometimes repairs need to be performed on job sites or at other off-site locations. Although they are well-ventilated and well-lit, repair shops are noisy due to the presence of operational machinery. Heavy equipment service technicians may be required to perform repairs on dirty and greasy equipment while standing, kneeling, bending, or lying on their backs. The work environment presents many hazards, including high-voltage electricity, dangerous chemicals, and heavy machinery. Safety standards must be adhered to at all times.
Occupation Interest. Heavy equipment service technicians work in a diverse range of industries. The profession tends to attract individuals who enjoy working with their hands and possess a strong understanding of how machinery works and operates. Heavy equipment service technicians are great problem solvers who are able to work under pressure, either alone or as members of a team.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The heavy equipment used in the construction, farming, and railroad industries is essential to those industries’ success, and heavy equipment service technicians keep this equipment running smoothly. Equipment serviced by technicians includes cranes, diesel engines, railcars, and more. Heavy equipment service technicians perform routine maintenance on these machines to ensure their performance, safety, and longevity.
Some machines require a heavy equipment service technician to use a diagnostic computer to identify which components are malfunctioning. Once the problem has been identified, the heavy equipment service technician will decide the best approach to solving it. Technicians use computers to help calibrate electronic systems. Depending on the service needed, a heavy equipment service technician may have to disassemble the equipment using hand and power tools. Besides repairing the equipment, technicians also clean and lubricate moving parts as needed and perform routine inspections. They check for leaks, worn or rusty parts, and a number of other issues. It is up to the heavy equipment service technician whether components should be repaired or replaced. Heavy equipment service technicians also identify electrical malfunctions, diagnose structural defects in mobile equipment such as railroad cars and tractors, and sometimes weld equipment as necessary.
Heavy equipment service technicians often specialize in one or more kinds of repair. While one technician in the shop may specialize in diesel engine repair, another may specialize in electrical systems or hydraulics. The more specialties a heavy equipment service technician has, the more likely they are to find employment.
Heavy Repairers. Heavy repairers repair heavy automobile or truck units, such as motors, transmissions, or differentials, before units are assembled into chassis.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Heavy equipment service technicians commonly work inside repair shops, where equipment is taken for routine maintenance or major repairs. They frequently handle heavy equipment, which is often dirty and greasy. Heavy equipment can cause serious injury if mishandled, so technicians must follow safety standards. Heavy equipment service technicians are also sometimes called to job sites to perform repairs.
Human Environment. Being a heavy equipment service technician requires regular collaboration with other technicians and clients. Technicians may also interact with representatives from equipment and parts manufacturers.
Technological Environment. Heavy equipment service technicians use a wide range of tools, including small hand tools and sophisticated computerized equipment. Some common tools include welding equipment, pneumatic wrenches, jacks, and dynamometers to identify engine malfunctions. Voltmeters and ammeters are used while working on electrical systems. Heavy equipment service technicians use computerized diagnostic tools in their work and should be familiar with computers and the Internet should they need to do research or order a part.
The daily workflow of a service technician is increasingly affected by the development of new technology to prevent, detect, and repair heavy equipment. For instance, addition of sensors to detect excessive heat, friction, and other potential problems can help the technician both pinpoint the source of a problem more quickly and repair it before it becomes a major breakdown. Many facilities are also incorporating 3D printing technology that allows replacement parts to be printed on the spot, allowing for faster repairs. This reduces downtime, which is crucial to the bottom line of the equipment owner and operator and an important function of the service technician.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. While there are no concrete educational requirements, employers are more likely to hire a heavy equipment service technician who has a high school diploma or the equivalent. Aspiring technicians should take high school courses in computers, mathematics, and mechanical drawing. Since heavy equipment service technicians often have to refer to service manuals, they need to be able to read and analyze mechanical drawings and instructions.
Many high schools also offer automotive shop classes, in which students learn the basics of automotive repair. Shop classes provide students with a background in engine repair and teach them how to use basic machine-shop tools.
Postsecondary. There are several courses and programs offered at vocational and technical schools that will help strengthen the mechanical skills of anyone interested in becoming a heavy equipment service technician. These courses and programs typically last one or two years. Some are designed specifically for heavy equipment service technicians, including programs in diesel technology, hydraulics, and electrical systems. Students in these courses will be instructed in equipment diagnostics, tools, hydraulics, and safety practices. Individuals who complete postsecondary training will have a strong background in the field of heavy equipment service. However, ongoing training will often be necessary to learn to work with new technology such as electronic sensors incorporated into machinery and 3D printing of replacement components.
Related Occupations
− Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician
− Service Technician and Mechanic
− Diesel Service Technician and Mechanic
− Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Machinery Maintenance Worker, and Millwright
Bibliography
"2024 Trends in Industrial Maintenance." ATS Advance Technology Services, www.advancedtech.com/blog/industrial-maintenance-trends/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heavy-vehicle-and-mobile-equipment-service-technicians.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.