Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Heavy Duty Mechanic
A Heavy Duty Mechanic is a professional who specializes in maintaining, repairing, and servicing heavy machinery and vehicles, such as trucks, construction equipment, buses, and industrial machines. They play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. In this blog post, we will delve into the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Heavy Duty Mechanics.
Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.
Main Responsibilities of a Heavy Duty Mechanic
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Heavy Duty Mechanic:
Adapt
Adapt to new methods, processes, material and equipment.
Adhere to
Adhere to all work place safety policies, regulations and compliances.
Adhere to company policies, procedures and safety program.
Adhere to safety and environmental rules.
Adhere to safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Adhere to workplace safety policies, regulations and compliances.
Adjust
Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems.
Advise
Advise others on work performed, general vehicle conditions, and future repair requirements.
Assemble
Assemble and install customer additions including, rear fenders, lights and headache racks.
Assist in
Assist in ordering parts as needed.
Assist other Heavy Duty Mechanics when needed.
Attach
Attach components and adjust new farm equipment.
Attend
Attend training / certification courses when required.
Build
Build and maintain customer relationships.
Check
Check all equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions.
Check and inspect equipment for repairs.
Clean
Clean, lubricate and perform other maintenance work as required.
Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with colleagues and other departments in a team environment.
Communicate
Communicate clearly and effectively.
Communicate with parts department efficiently to obtain needed parts.
Communicate with vehicle or equipment owners to explain repair needs and costs.
Complete
Complete daily tasks provided by scheduling manager.
Complete detailed, clear and concise work orders.
Complete detailed service reports and warranty documentation.
Complete log books and service records.
Complete maintenance records and documentation as required.
Complete major and minor repairs to trucks and trailers.
Complete technical documentation (service reports, warranty, crossover notes).
Complete thorough and quality diagnostic, service and repair of heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
Complete work orders legibly and accurately.
Complete work records and timesheets for all warranty repairs including parts used.
Conduct
Conduct annual commercial vehicle inspections on all equipment.
Conduct brake and suspension system repairs.
Conduct inspections and tests as required.
Conduct regular preventative maintenance tasks and inspections.
Conduct routine oil changes, lubrication, and fluid checks.
Confer
Confer on a regular basis with Manager on any operational deficiencies.
Confer with Shop Foreman regarding all repairs and extent of repairs necessary.
Conserve
Conserve maintenance resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Contribute to
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Create
Create a positive work environment for technicians.
Create photorealistic and stylized shaders for human characters as well as fantasy.
Create true-to-life digital humans by allocating shader pipeline and custom textures assignment.
Cultivate
Cultivate an open communication culture that fosters open team feedback and engagement.
Cut
Cut and weld metal to repair broken metal parts, fabricate new parts, and assemble new equipment.
Determine
Determine changes in dimensional requirements of parts by inspecting used parts.
Diagnose
Diagnose and assist in the repair of Mechanical, Electrical and Body related faults.
Diagnose and repair heavy haul trucks, trailer and heavy equipment.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.
Diagnose defects in fleet.
Diagnose equipment problems and determine needed repairs.
Diagnose faults or malfunctions and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems.
Diagnose using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair.
Disassemble
Disassemble and reassemble components such as engines, transmissions, cooling.
Disassemble, inspect and replace worn or broken parts.
Dismantle
Dismantle faulty assemblies and repair or replace worn or damaged parts.
Document
Document work performed, materials used and reporting condition of unit.
Drive
Drive company supplied vehicle's in an safe and courteous manner.
Drive service truck to various locations to perform inspections, maintenance and repairs on site.
Drive trains and final drives.
Employ
Employ diagnostic methodologies to determine repairs required.
Encourage
Encourage collaborative working practices for the team and colleagues.
Engage
Engage and participates in Ledcor safety policies and procedures.
Enjoy
Enjoy diagnosing, repairing and maintaining equipment.
Enjoy repairing and maintaining electrical control systems and diagnostics.
Ensure
Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and regulations.
Ensure employee, shop, and equipment safety is a priority when completing tasks.
Ensure FLRA is completed at the beginning of every job and work is completed safely.
Ensure the shop area is kept clean, tidy and free of hazards at all times.
Ensure vehicles are promptly returned to service and customers are satisfied.
Estimate
Estimate repair costs and provide quotes to customers.
Evaluate
Evaluate parts for reuse, repair or replacement.
Examine
Examine reasons for failure or improper operation of engines, running gear, parts and equipment.
Fabricate
Fabricate repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment.
Fill out
Fill out and submit all required documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
Follow
Follow and lead safe work practices.
Follow manufacturer and internal preventive maintenance programs and inspection procedures.
Follow manufacturer guidelines and specifications for repairs.
Follow preventative maintenance schedule on equipment.
Follow specifications on complex equipment diagrams, parts drawings and catalogs.
Handle
Handle emergencies and breakdowns with a sense of urgency.
Identify
Identify potential and future problems.
Inspect
Inspect, diagnose and troubleshoot equipment problems and determine repairs needed.
Inspect equipment and components for servicing needs.
Inspect job and determine the nature and extent of repairs, methods, materials, tools, etc..
Inspect, repair and adjust Caterpillar, Volvo, Komatsu and other heavy off-road equipment.
Inspect, repair and adjust gasoline and diesel powered units.
Install
Install and repair mechanical equipment such as compressors, pumps.
Interact with
Interact with customers, sales support, and the rest of the Finning team.
Interface with
Interface with customers, products and sales support.
Keep
Keep abreast of environmental regulations related to equipment emissions.
Keep a clean and safe work environment.
Keep detailed records of maintenance and repairs performed.
Keep equipment cleaned, lubricated and maintained.
Keep shop area neat, clean and safe.
Keep tools and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
Keep track of all work performed, including parts ordered.
Keep work areas clean and free of safety hazards on a continuous basis.
Locate
Locate sources of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation.
Look up
Look up, source and order required parts as necessary.
Lubricate
Lubricate, service, diagnose, repair, assemble, and maintain vehicles and equipment.
Maintain
Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Maintain a clean work safe environment.
Maintain a consistent style under director of production.
Maintain all employees' standards and respect team members and facility / equipment.
Maintain and repair On Road Heavy Equipment to Provincial and Company Standards.
Maintain and service trucks and trailers.
Maintain a personal commitment to health and safety.
Maintain a professional and customer-oriented demeanor.
Maintain daily record of all work tasks and materials.
Maintain detailed records and organization plans.
Maintain equipment, parts, and supplies inventories by checking stock to determine inventory level.
Maintain good relationships with customers and co-workers.
Maintain logbooks as required by legislation and policy.
Maintain proper documentation on all units.
Maintain quality and continuity while developing shaders that support art direction.
Maintain required tools for the job & submit tool inventory annually.
Make
Make field repairs as required to get equipment back in service.
Make recommendations on repairs or replacement parts.
Manage
Manage time effectively to meet repair deadlines.
Mentor
Mentor and provide sufficient training with Heavy Duty Mechanic apprentices as required.
Mentor and train apprentices as required.
Monitor
Monitor team performance and report on metrics.
Operate
Operate a hoist and lift device to position machinery parts in a safe manner.
Operate floor sweeping / scrubbing machines throughout facility.
Operate heavy machinery during testing and diagnostic procedures.
Operate hoist and lift devices to position machinery in a safe manner.
Operate snow removal equipment to maintain clear roads and parking areas.
Overhaul
Overhaul and rebuild engines and major components.
Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
Participate in
Participate in company and manufacturer-sponsored training programs, schools, and events.
Participate in problem solving.
Participate in safety meetings and inspections and follow standard operating procedures.
Perform
Perform alignment and tire maintenance.
Perform all other duties as requested by the Shop Manager.
Perform and organize scheduled and preventative maintenance.
Perform customer, OEM and government inspections on vehicles.
Perform CVIP inspections as required.
Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
Perform defect repairs as required.
Perform equipment inspections and repairs.
Perform field diagnosis and field running repairs.
Perform field service in adverse weather conditions.
Perform general repair work on fleet.
Perform incidental welding operations on equipment.
Perform mechanical repairs on equipment in the shop and in the field.
Perform necessary repairs on all equipment.
Perform other mechanical repair work as required.
Perform preventative maintenance including filter and lube services.
Perform preventive maintenance to extend the lifespan of heavy machinery.
Perform quality inspections prior to returning the vehicle / equipment to the customer.
Perform regular inspections and maintenance to identify potential problems.
Perform related welding on equipment.
Perform repair work on heavy trucks.
Perform routine inspections.
Perform routine maintenance.
Perform safety checks and ensure vehicles and equipment meet regulatory standards.
Perform scheduled maintenance on heavy duty tractors and trailers.
Perform scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
Perform thorough inspections of equipment and identifies required repairs.
Prepare
Prepare and submit equipment maintenance records, time sheets, etc..
Provide
Provide coaching / guidance, as needed.
Provide guidance and training to junior mechanics or apprentices.
Provide regular communication to customers on the progress of repairs.
Provide routine maintenance.
Provide routine maintenance as well as possible engine overhauls.
Provide routine maintenance as well as road calls when required.
Provide Service Support on Alexander Dennis products in the GTA.
Provide Support in expediting repairs to vehicles within workshop.
Provide technical expertise for both the field and shop operations.
Provide technical expertise for the field operations.
Read
Read diagrams and schematics for work procedures.
Recognize
Recognize high performance and reward accomplishments.
Remove
Remove defective parts by dismantling devices.
Repair
Repair and adjust hydraulic pumps, safety valves, and any other necessary mechanical components.
Repair and replace defective or worn-out parts, such as engines, transmissions, and brakes.
Repair cable-operated working attachments, winches, compressors, pumps, electric generators, etc..
Repair cooling, and lubrication systems.
Replace
Replace defect parts as required.
Research
Research as required for materials and references for repairs.
Review
Review work of other technicians, as needed.
Source
Source and order replacement parts and materials.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with the latest industry advancements and technologies.
Suggest
Suggest positive changes to policy and procedures as required.
Support
Support the communication to customers on progress of repairs.
Test
Test heavy machinery and vehicles after repairs to ensure proper functionality.
Test operates repaired equipment as required.
Test repaired equipment for proper performance.
Train
Train and mentor apprentices.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and repair Caterpillar, along with other mechanical equipment as required.
Troubleshoot and repair Caterpillar mining equipment.
Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Troubleshoot, diagnose and repair equipment and light and heavy duty vehicles.
Troubleshoot, repair and maintain equipment.
Troubleshoot with drivers on equipment problems.
Use
Use computerized diagnostic systems to identify complex issues.
Use diagnostic tools and equipment to identify electronic and electrical faults.
Use of engine diagnostic tools, CAT SIS + ET Red Seal Certified.
Use various hand and power hand tools.
Utilize
Utilize Caterpillar SIS and ET as required.
Verify
Verify and repair emission control systems.
Weld
Weld and fabricate parts as needed for repairs.
Work
Work as part of a team following company guidelines and health and safety policies.
Work both indoors and outdoors.
Work for now will be completed out of a service truck.
Work on electrical, engines, transmissions, hydraulics, etc.
Work unsupervised or in team environment.
Work will be conducted in various shop and field environments.
Work with high quality individuals and teams.
Work with minimal supervision.
Work with operators on equipment repairs.
Work with the Field Service Supervisor on a regular basis.
Work with the parts department and their staff to best serve the customer.
Write
Write detailed and accurate service / maintenance reports.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Heavy Duty Mechanic:
Proficiency in engine repair and diagnostics.
Strong knowledge of heavy machinery and vehicle systems.
Welding and metal fabrication skills.
Electrical and electronic systems troubleshooting.
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems expertise.
Familiarity with computerized diagnostic tools and software.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations.
Expertise in diesel engine technology.
Welding and cutting techniques.
Brake and suspension system repair skills.
Proficiency in using hand and power tools.
Understanding of environmental regulations.
Experience with preventive maintenance programs.
Competence in using automotive lifts and hoists.
Knowledge of emissions control systems.
Strong problem-solving and diagnostic abilities.
Skill in using measurement instruments.
Familiarity with vehicle and equipment manufacturers' specifications.
Expertise in maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Heavy Duty Mechanic:
Attention to detail in diagnosing and repairing issues.
Effective communication with colleagues and customers.
Time management to meet repair deadlines.
Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
Adaptability to changing technology and equipment.
Patience and perseverance in complex problem-solving.
Teamwork and collaboration in a workshop environment.
Customer service orientation when dealing with clients.
Safety-conscious attitude and adherence to protocols.
Mentorship and willingness to train junior mechanics.
Conclusion
By embracing these responsibilities and developing the required hard and soft skills, Heavy Duty Mechanics can excel in their role and contribute significantly to keeping heavy machinery and vehicles in optimal working condition, ensuring safety and efficiency across various industries.
