Career summary

Details for Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines


Description

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and surface mining.

Tasks

  • Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
  • Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
  • Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
  • Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
  • Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
  • Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles.
  • Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
  • Schedule maintenance for industrial machines and equipment, and keep equipment service records.
  • Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
  • Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
  • Assemble gear systems, and align frames and gears.
  • Fit bearings to adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
  • Weld or solder broken parts and structural members, using electric or gas welders and soldering tools.
  • Clean parts by spraying them with grease solvent or immersing them in tanks of solvent.
  • Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
  • Adjust and maintain industrial machinery, using control and regulating devices.
  • Fabricate needed parts or items from sheet metal.
  • Direct workers who are assembling or disassembling equipment or cleaning parts.
  • Repair, rewire, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
  • Research, order, and maintain parts inventory for services and repairs.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Knowledge

  • Mathematics -Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Mechanical -Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

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