| When you were a kid, did you love to play with | | | | equipment; and jacks and hoists to move parts and |
| those giant-sized toy bulldozers and trucks? Getting | | | | vehicles. They also use common hand tools to work |
| down and dirty was fun, and even today you may | | | | on small parts, and computerized testing equipment |
| enjoy watching earthmovers at a construction site or | | | | to analyze problems in electrical and hydraulic |
| backhoes digging trenches. A career in heavy | | | | systems. Service technicians often must use their |
| equipment repair may be perfect for you. | | | | equipment out in the field under difficult conditions. |
| Farm machinery, bulldozers, cranes, and railroad cars | | | | The job outlook is excellent. Even in the current |
| are all examples of heavy vehicles that require | | | | economy, the field is growing. The U.S. Bureau of |
| maintenance and repair. These vehicles often weigh | | | | Labor Statistics predicts that in the current decade |
| hundreds of tons and require specialized facilities for | | | | from 2008 through 2018, "Opportunities for heavy |
| major servicing. They may also require routine | | | | vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and |
| maintenance in the field, which could be a remote | | | | mechanics should be excellent for those who have |
| location in the mountains, forest, or desert. | | | | completed formal training programs in diesel or heavy |
| Heavy vehicles can be complex. It can be accurately | | | | equipment mechanics." It is predicted that over |
| said that today's heavy equipment combines brains | | | | 15,000 new jobs will be added in this employment |
| and brawn. Many types of heavy equipment use | | | | category during this period. |
| hydraulics to raise and lower movable parts, and for | | | | Education is key for success. Advanced careers in |
| steering and braking. They may have complex | | | | the field require knowledge of mathematics, physics, |
| electrical systems, including onboard computers for | | | | mechanical engineering, and computers. Heavy and |
| control as well as systems diagnosis. Typically they | | | | mobile equipment mechanics increasingly need |
| have diesel engines, and these are generally serviced | | | | certification from the National Institute for |
| by specialized diesel mechanics who need to know | | | | Automotive Service Excellence. But for anyone with |
| how to use computer diagnostic equipment. | | | | a high school diploma or GED who is determined to |
| Servicing makes the difference. Heavy vehicles | | | | work hard and get ahead, there is hope! Many |
| represent a big investment and require meticulous | | | | technical career schools offer certificate or associate |
| maintenance. When a million-dollar crawler crane stops | | | | degree programs that can prepare you for |
| working on a job site, every minute counts until it is | | | | certification. The schools generally provide both |
| back on line. That's why a well-trained and | | | | classroom instruction and hands-on training on real |
| experienced service person is a vital member of the | | | | vehicles. Many are associated with specific |
| team. | | | | manufacturers so that, for instance, you can get |
| Heavy vehicle service technicians and mechanics are | | | | certified to work on Caterpillar scrapers or Cummings |
| called upon to repair and maintain electrical systems, | | | | diesels. Some offer hybrid programs, where students |
| engines and hydraulics, and transmissions. They | | | | can complete the classroom portion online, then go |
| perform routine maintenance checks and repair | | | | to the school's campus for practical training. In many |
| brake, fuel, and transmission systems to ensure the | | | | cases you can get the training you need even while |
| safety, optimum performance, and reliability of the | | | | you hold down your present dead-end job or provide |
| equipment. They may diagnose electrical problems, | | | | care for your family. |
| disassemble and repair undercarriages and | | | | Career and technical schools will be glad to send free |
| caterpillar-track assemblies, and weld broken | | | | information about their programs. Many offer financial |
| equipment frames and structural parts. | | | | aid for those who qualify, and even career planning |
| Technicians know how to use tools. They use | | | | assistance. Contact a technical school today and you |
| machine tools, like lathes and grinding machines; | | | | may be prepared for a new career sooner than you |
| power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches; welding | | | | think. |