A heavy equipment mechanic keeps machines running smoothly and efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. If you are looking for a rewarding career with excellent job security, this could be the job for you.
Learn how to become a heavy equipment mechanic, including the key education, training and skills to get started.
What Does a Heavy Equipment Technician Do?
Technicians are an essential part of any operation that uses heavy equipment. They use their specialized training to maintain all the machines, ensuring they run optimally and correcting any issues they find.
If you are considering a career as a technician, there are many steps to becoming fully qualified. Before you start your journey, here is what heavy equipment mechanics do to help you understand the job better:
Equipment inspections: Technicians are responsible for performing equipment inspections to catch any problems early. They use advanced diagnostic tools to find the issues and assess equipment quality. Once they have identified the problem, they can get to work solving it. Inspections are essential for keeping machines in good condition and stopping problems before they become dangerous.
Troubleshooting and repair: If something is going wrong with the equipment, technicians need to troubleshoot the issue and find a way to fix it. Sometimes, the problem is hidden. Technicians have to analyze the issues and use their problem-solving skills and expertise to find a solution. Once they have a solution, they will perform the repair to reduce downtime and get the machine working again.
Equipment maintenance: Technicians must also perform regular maintenance on equipment to keep it working efficiently. Adjusting settings, lubricating moving parts, tuning up components and replacing broken parts are all essential for optimizing performance. Technicians use the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure they perform their maintenance safely and successfully.
Technical documentation: Technicians must keep detailed documentation of what they maintained, repaired and replaced. This history helps technicians know what their future maintenance schedules should be for each piece of equipment.
Client support: Technicians are often client-facing. Equipment owners or renters need to know the issue, why it happened and how to prevent it. Technicians are a valuable resource for teaching operators how to care for equipment and increase safety.
Staying updated: Along with mastering their initial training, technicians have to stay on top of new developments. This job requires ongoing learning to ensure technicians can handle changes in the industry. Industry regulations, equipment models and technologies are always changing. With regular training, technicians can handle any new challenges that come their way and keep a more relevant skill set.
Steps to Becoming a Heavy Equipment Technician
Becoming a heavy equipment technician takes time and training. Heavy equipment is highly specialized, but a good training program will give you the skills you need to succeed. Here are some tips for becoming a heavy equipment mechanic.
1. Complete a Formal Training Program
To become a heavy equipment technician, you need to complete a training program. Training programs give you the skills and knowledge you will need on the job. They help you build foundational knowledge and give you hands-on practice so you can succeed once you complete the program. They also show employers you have the aptitude for a role as a heavy-duty technician.
Research the area you want to work in and find technical institutions that have the program you need.
Programs in New Jersey
For example, you might consider these courses in New Jersey:
Eastwick College: There are various trades you can pick up at the HoHoKus School of Trades and Technical Sciences, including welding. You can also earn certifications from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Welding Society (AWS) and other distinguished organizations.
Programs in Pennsylvania
Alternatively, if you live near Pennsylvania, try these options:
Monroe Career & Technical Institute: Monroe offers welding and electronics courses. Or, you could work toward becoming a heavy diesel mechanic by enrolling in the diesel technology program.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI): UTI has a range of programs, like diesel and marine technician training, as well as industrial maintenance training.
Programs in Delaware
If you are in the Delaware area, check out these technical schools:
New Castle County Vo-Tech: This institution has a range of construction technology courses available, including a Millwright and Welding Fabrication program.
Polytech Adult Education: Here, you can earn a certificate for becoming an industrial maintenance mechanic or a diesel technician.
2. Start Gaining Experience
After completing your training program, you will want to get work experience. While a specialized program gives you a foundation, real-world experience helps you master the job. Look for entry-level positions to get exposure to heavy equipment. Working directly with relevant machines lets you become more experienced. The more experience you have, the better your future job opportunities.
Some recommended qualifications to build up include:
Experience with Cat® machines and other equipment brands.
The ability to multitask.
Strong computer skills.
Technical and troubleshooting skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Receive Certifications
You might need to get certifications, depending on your job. Even if they are not required, certifications are a valuable resource for heavy equipment technicians. Obtaining certifications shows your proficiency in certain areas to employers. They also improve your experience and skills, showing your dedication to the job and your abilities. You will need to pass exams on relevant heavy equipment topics to earn your certifications.
4. Keep Learning and Love What You Do
Take advantage of classes, experiences and resources offered, and continue to learn about new innovations and industry trends. The heavy equipment industry is constantly evolving, and you must stay informed to keep your skill set sharp and relevant. Invest time into new certifications, workshops and continuing education programs to stay competitive. You can often find additional learning resources through your employer.
Expand Your Heavy Equipment Technician Career at Foley, Incorporated
Becoming a heavy equipment technician requires dedication and a willingness to learn. Completing a training program puts you on the path to a role with great job security and pay.
If you have completed your technician training and want a job at a respected company, check out the open positions at Foley, Inc. As a certified Cat dealer with decades of experience, we know the value of a skilled technician. If you are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware, join our team and receive up to a $10,000 bonus. Let us help you advance your career and create a real impact on the industry!
