what is a heavy equipment mechanic?
As a heavy equipment mechanic, you repair and maintain heavy-duty machinery. You ensure the equipment is safe to operate and functions efficiently. Some of the heavy equipment you repair and maintain include industrial forklifts, earthmovers, dump trucks, cranes and bulldozers. Aside from maintaining and repairing, you also assist the team in assembling heavy-duty construction equipment, ensuring it is ready for use.
Since heavy equipment is used in many organizations, you work in diverse industries that rely on heavy equipment for daily operations. You can work for heavy equipment dealers, construction and agricultural companies. Some of the duties you perform in the companies include diagnosing faults, inspecting heavy construction equipment, and adjusting them to meet the required specifications.
You require extensive knowledge of equipment mechanics to troubleshoot problems that arise in the equipment. Since you use hand tools to overhaul the equipment and make replacements, it is important to have good manual dexterity. Your duties involve lifting heavy items and bending or standing for long hours. You rely on physical strength and fitness to carry out your tasks.
Would working as a heavy equipment mechanic suit your manual dexterity and interest in mechanics? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a heavy equipment mechanic role.
view jobsaverage heavy equipment mechanic salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a heavy equipment mechanic is $63,313 per year —or an hourly rate of $32.47. When new to the role, you start with a lower salary of $51,119 yearly. After completing an apprenticeship and gaining trade certifications and experience, your earnings increase to over $79,058 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a heavy equipment mechanic?
Your earnings as a heavy equipment mechanic mainly depend on experience and qualifications. Having trade certifications or a Red Seal qualification improves your earning prospects. With additional qualifications, you are capable of handling complex tasks and can negotiate a higher salary after gaining more experience.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. For example, working for a large construction organization boosts your earnings due to the company's unlimited resources. In large companies, you also handle complex tasks when dealing with specialized heavy-duty machinery, which may require additional expertise to maintain and repair. Smaller companies may have less complex duties or limited resources.
The location in which you work also influences your earnings, particularly due to the fluctuations in demand for heavy equipment mechanics. Some provinces in Canada, like Alberta and British Columbia, have higher salary prospects than other territories.
types of heavy equipment mechanics
Most heavy equipment mechanics specialize in a particular industry. Some of the most common types of heavy equipment mechanics include:
- Mobile heavy equipment mechanics: your job is to service and repair construction equipment. You work with equipment rental or leasing companies, as well as companies that carry out construction or mining projects in diverse areas. You maintain, repair, assemble and disassemble equipment on-site.
- Farm heavy equipment mechanics: you repair and maintain agricultural equipment like tractors and harvesters. You will likely work in repair shops, where farm equipment is sent for repairs.
- Rail car mechanics: as a heavy equipment mechanic, you service subway cars and railroad locomotives. You can work for railcar manufacturers or railroad and transit companies, assisting them with repairs and maintenance tasks.
working as a heavy equipment mechanic
If you enjoy working with machines and heavy equipment, a career as a heavy equipment mechanic could be right for you. Let’s explore the work environments, career prospects and daily tasks in the role.
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what does a heavy equipment mechanic do?
As a heavy equipment mechanic, you perform the following duties:
- Testing machinery and inspecting issues in equipment: as a heavy equipment mechanic, you check and test equipment to diagnose issues. You use computerized diagnostic equipment to identify problems in the hydraulics, electrical systems and engines. With your diagnostic tools, you determine the repairs or adjustments needed for the equipment to function as expected.
- Ordering replacement parts and repairing tools and equipment: when equipment requires replacement parts, you order the parts and the equipment needed for the repair job. Since heavy-duty equipment requires replacement parts from manufacturers, you may order from other provinces or overseas. When you determine the delivery time for the replacement parts, you advise the company when the machinery will be out of commission.
- Scheduling maintenance work: as a heavy equipment mechanic, you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on maintenance work. However, you create a maintenance schedule favourable to the company’s project schedule. For instance, you ensure the bulldozers are maintained before the next construction work commences.
- Writing reports on repairs and maintenance work performed: after inspecting heavy equipment mechanics and performing repairs, you document the parts replaced and routine maintenance performed. You also inform supervisors of the repairs to ensure they monitor the equipment’s performance and operate it safely.
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work environment of a heavy equipment mechanic
Heavy equipment mechanics work in various industries, as many sectors rely on heavy machinery. For instance, you can work in construction, agriculture or transportation, repairing heavy equipment or assembling machinery. Depending on the industry you work in, you likely work in a noisy and dusty environment with machines like cranes and forklifts operating around you. You spend many hours on your feet, standing and bending to fix machine parts. Since you handle hazardous materials, you are expected to use protective equipment at work.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on where you work, you are likely to collaborate with mechanical engineers, automotive mechanics and civil engineers. You are also likely to work alongside construction project managers and industrial engineers. Other professionals you may interact with include maintenance managers and maintenance technicians.
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heavy equipment mechanic work schedule
The typical work hours of a heavy equipment mechanic is 40 hours a week. In a full-time position, you work the stipulated work hours, but your work day is likely to start early in construction or extend to evenings when repairing machines. In companies that require a heavy equipment mechanic on-site 24/7, you work on shift schedules or are always on call for any issues that arise. Part-time heavy equipment mechanic opportunities are also available.
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career opportunities as a heavy equipment mechanic
Working as a heavy equipment mechanic is a promising career with great prospects. From 2022 to 2031, the job opportunities for the role are expected to increase to 25,000, with only 22,800 job seekers to fill them. Under the supervision of other mechanics, you can start in a junior position and build your skills to qualify for a senior position. Alternatively, specialize in a specific industry, such as agriculture or construction equipment.
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advantages of finding a job as a heavy equipment mechanic through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
heavy equipment mechanic skills and education
To become a heavy equipment mechanic in Canada, you need the following educational requirements:
- Apprenticeship: start your career as a heavy equipment mechanic with a three to five-year apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs vary depending on the province or territory. For instance, in British Columbia, you can pursue the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET) apprenticeship program, which combines coursework and on-the-job training. To get a trade certification, completing an apprenticeship is a requirement.
- Trade certification and licence: trade certification may be necessary or voluntary, depending on the specific province. For instance, it is compulsory in Alberta, and you can get a licence from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industrial Training. In Quebec, trade certification is required to work in the construction industry. Instead of getting a licence for each province, you can take the Red Seal examination, which enables you to work in any province or territory.
competencies and characteristics of heavy equipment mechanics
Aside from trade certifications, you require the following skills to excel in the role:
- Manual dexterity: as a heavy equipment mechanic, your primary role is to diagnose issues in equipment and repair them. Dexterity allows you to use various hand tools, including wrenches, hammers and power tools. Aside from hand dexterity, you need extra physical strength to move heavy machine parts during repairs.
- Reporting skills: as a heavy equipment mechanic, you keep records of maintenance work and repairs. Your reporting skills help you maintain detailed records of the work done on particular equipment. During inspection, it is easy to determine if the machine is safe to operate when maintenance records are available. Keeping records also helps the company determine recurring problems and estimate the shelf life of equipment.
- Proficiency in using computer systems: when diagnosing issues in heavy equipment, you rely on computerized diagnostic tools. Proficiency in using computer systems simplifies your work.
- Teamwork skills: as a heavy equipment mechanic, you work alongside other mechanics to fix issues in machines. Teamwork skills help you collaborate with others. You also require solid communication skills to brainstorm ideas on how to resolve mechanical problems.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of heavy equipment mechanics.
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how much do heavy equipment mechanics make in Canada?
As a heavy equipment mechanic, you earn an average salary of $63,313 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience and educational qualifications. When you are new to the role, you earn around $51,119 annually. With experience, the amount increases, and you take home over $79,058 per year.
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what skills do you need to be a heavy equipment mechanic?
It is important to have extensive mechanical knowledge and manual dexterity to work as a heavy equipment mechanic. You use hand tools to complete repairs and replace equipment parts. Your knowledge of using diagnostic tools is useful in identifying problems in the equipment. Since repair and maintenance schedules are crucial for heavy equipment, you document every repair and maintenance task you've done. Exceptional reporting skills are needed to document maintenance and part replacements.
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how do I become a heavy equipment mechanic?
If you want to become a heavy equipment mechanic, complete a heavy equipment mechanic apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with coursework, equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform maintenance and repair tasks. When you complete the apprenticeship, you can get a licence from the relevant provincial or territorial authority.
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is a heavy equipment mechanic job the right role for you?
If you enjoy working with machines and equipment, then becoming a heavy equipment mechanic is the perfect role for you. The role has promising career prospects and many opportunities for growth in a range of industries.
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how long does it take to become a heavy equipment mechanic?
Becoming a heavy equipment mechanic in Canada takes three to five years through an apprenticeship program. You should complete at least 9,000 hours of on-the-job training, as well as the relevant coursework and written exam.
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how do I find a job as a heavy equipment mechanic?
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