This industry requires people who are specialized in their job that mainly includes the maintenance, repair and service of heavy equipment. Their job involves working in different climatic conditions and their work location constantly varies and can at times be indoors as well. Their work is not always outside. This is why you are required to have expertise not only in handling the machinery within the varying locations, but also knowledge about the different machine parts.
For a career in the heavy equipment industry you need to know how to operate the machines. Apart from this you will have to be very observant and possess the ability to notice faults or damages. To be able to do this you will need to possess a high level of reasoning and problem solving abilities. Having these skills and abilities will help you to perform your work in the right manner and will also enable you to identify problems and analyze the information that is available. With experience, you need to know all the machines well and be alert when something goes wrong and also when it is about to go wrong. On noticing the problem with the machinery, you are expected to find ways to solve it and also a future course of action. You will be expected to evaluate the cost of making these rectifications as well.
The most common place where the construction equipment operators are trained is on the job. They acquire their skills when undergoing on the job training. They are first trained in the use of light operating equipment and then progress to the use of heavier equipment. All this is done under the strict guidance of experienced operators. Nevertheless, there are many who believe that the formal training helps to develop more comprehensive skill sets that are required.
There is a formal training system provided to construction equipment operators. The operating engineer apprenticeship program is administered by the union-management committee of the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Associated General Contractors of America. Here the workers have a chance to operate on a wider range of machinery rather than the light weight equipment in on the job training and also benefit from better job opportunities. This apprenticeship program is usually for three months or 6000 hours of on the job training and is accompanied by 144 hours of classroom instruction in a year.
Construction equipment companies generally hire graduates, but nowadays they are also hiring non-graduates and training them to operate certain equipment. Technological advancements have also increased the need for skilled operators with technological and electronic skills to operate the new advanced machines.
There are various courses and training that is now being made available to increase efficiency and productivity and reduce mishaps.
A heavy equipment technician is a skilled workman, who repairs and maintains heavy diesel engines, fuel, brake and transmission systems, electrical and other systems that are part of farm machinery, cranes bulldozers, railcars, heavy dumper trucks, excavators, pavers and many other type of such machinery. His key objective is to ensure that the machines remain in top working condition and continue to function at peak levels for a long time in line with safety norms. In view of the advanced technology used in machinery these days, these expert technicians are required to be conversant with the use of computerized diagnostic equipment, tachometers, dynamometers, ohm meters, ammeters, voltmeters specialized tools like pneumatic wrenches, operating lathes and grinding machines. An ability to work with jacks and hoists, gas cutting and welding tools in addition to the use of common hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches is also essential. Knowledge in electronics, hydraulics and welding technology is considered mandatory to perform well in this field.
Generally, a heavy equipment technician works indoors unless the job position is that of a field technician. The latter is required to work onsite on machines that cannot be moved to a shop. Field technicians are exposed to outdoor conditions, which include hostile weather and inadequate arrangements for meals or rest. The job involves lifting of heavy parts and carrying them in awkward positions. Though, by adhering to safety norms and working in well lighted, ventilated and heated work areas, serious accidents can be avoided, minor cuts, bruises, and burns are only to be expected in this job.
Working hours are generally 40 hours a week but might go up to 50 or even 60 hours if you are working in the farming sector during planting and harvesting seasons.
Although three to four years of on the job training earned by working as assistants under experienced technicians is considered sufficient, most employers prefer applicants who have completed a formal skill based program after graduating from high school. The candidate should be flexible with an aptitude for quick learning.
There are programs of one or two years duration leading to a certificate or an associate degree in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics. Such programs are offered by various community colleges and vocational schools. High school courses in automobile repair, physics, chemistry, and mathematics provide a strong foundation for a career as a heavy equipment technician. It is essential for technicians to be able to read and interpret service manuals in order to keep abreast of engineering changes
Ideally, a combination of formal and on the job training equips a technician with the knowledge and skills typically required for the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment. Employment opportunities for heavy equipment technicians exist in large construction and mining companies, local and federal governments, agencies that sell farm equipment, garden tractors, railcar and locomotive manufacturers and other companies operating and maintaining fleets of such equipment. As per statistics compiled in 2004, the average hourly earnings of a heavy equipment technician in the US during the year 2003-2004 ranged between $17 and $20.
Kris Koonar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Site Promotion, Certified Public Accountants and Culture and Society. School National Training has over 35,000 graduates and is fully accredited by the. Kris Koonar's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.