Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Heavy Equipment Mechanic
A Heavy Equipment Mechanic is a professional who specializes in repairing and maintaining heavy machinery used in various industries such as construction, mining, agriculture, and transportation. These highly skilled individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that heavy equipment operates efficiently and safely. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Heavy Equipment Mechanics.
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Main Responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic:
Adhere to
Adhere to quality standards and ensure work meets industry specifications.
Adhere to safety policies and procedures to include proper use of personal protective equipment.
Adjust
Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts.
Advise
Advise customers about the operation of the equipment when necessary.
Assist in
Assist as required the formal maintenance trades training program.
Assist in training co-workers as needed.
Attend
Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge.
Change
Change filters and oil, and lubricate vehicles and motor-driven equipment.
Clean
Clean, lubricate and perform other maintenance work.
Clean machines and immediate work areas.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with equipment manufacturers and suppliers for technical support.
Collaborate with other team members to solve complex problems.
Collect
Collect and interpret analyses from oil sampling, on-board computer, and fleet.
Communicate
Communicate timely and effectively with plant leadership to keep them informed about major problems.
Communicate with customers regarding repairs and maintenance requirements.
Communicate with shop supervisor, and other technicians to ensure repairs are complete & on-time.
Complete
Complete all documentation associated with equipment repairs.
Complete daily consumables report to record hours, fuel and oil usage, and provide.
Complete maintenance reports and required documentation.
Complete service documentation.
Conduct
Conduct inspections to identify potential problems and prevent breakdowns.
Conduct repairs aiming for maximum reliability.
Conduct road tests to verify equipment performance.
Conduct safety checks and adhere to safety protocols.
Coordinate
Coordinate with CDL drivers to keep them safe on the road.
Develop
Develop and implement maintenance schedules for heavy equipment.
Diagnose
Diagnose and repair equipment in a timely manner.
Diagnose and troubleshoot on-site repairs.
Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues in heavy equipment.
Ensure
Ensure all Workplace Safety.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and guidelines.
Ensure guards and safety devices are functioning properly.
Establish
Establish priorities to ensure completion of tasks in a timely manner.
Establish priorities to ensure the completion of tasks in a timely manner.
Fabricate
Fabricate and install special equipment for other city departments.
Follow
Follow all safety policies and procedures.
Follow environmental regulations and disposal procedures.
Follow manufacturer's guidelines for repairs and maintenance.
Inspect
Inspect and ensure equipment is operational and maintained for client use.
Install
Install and replace snowplowing and sanding equipment.
Install lights, light brackets, mirrors and other accessories.
Install or builds special accessory equipment and attachments.
Keep
Keep accurate records of repairs, maintenance, and inspections.
Keep logs of work and report on issues utilizing technology (tablet or phone).
Keep maintenance reports and documentation.
Keep tools, equipment, and work area clean, organized, and in good working condition.
Maintain
Maintain accurate computerized work logs, repair orders and maintenance records.
Maintain accurate records of all service, repair, and other work as required.
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Maintain a clean work environment / vehicle and abide by all safety protocols.
Maintain advanced knowledge to diagnose and repair mechanical problems on heavy.
Maintain a log of all repairs and service performed.
Maintain availability when requested to meet emergency situations.
Maintain current forklift operator training certification.
Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
Maintain meticulous logs of all repairs and service performed.
Maintain parts inventory.
Maintain service logs and records of maintenance on vehicles and motorized equipment.
Maintain technician billing efficiency of 100% or higher.
Make
Make emergency repairs of equipment at job sites or equipment location, as required.
Make service calls as needed.
Monitor
Monitor and analyze equipment performance data.
Operate
Operate and inspects machines or equipment to diagnose defects.
Operate diagnostic equipment to analyze equipment performance.
Operate heavy machinery for diagnostic purposes.
Operate vehicles and equipment as necessary to ensure it is properly functioning.
Order
Order and manage inventory of spare parts and supplies.
Oversee
Oversee and improve the quality of workmanship for Ambatovy Employees and Contractor works.
Perform
Perform all scheduled maintenance on vehicle and equipment as per manufacturer.
Perform daily inspection of machinery and equipment at the plant.
Perform factory authorized warranty work.
Perform factory recommended preventative maintenance & inspection.
Perform general clean-up of work area.
Perform mechanical repairs in the shop and road calls when required.
Perform mechanical repairs on equipment in the shop and road calls when required.
Perform miscellaneous related duties as required and assigned by Manager.
Perform overhauls on gas or diesel engines.
Perform preventative and predictive maintenance.
Perform preventative maintenance on fleet.
Perform preventative maintenance to extend equipment lifespan.
Perform repair work on heavy trucks.
Perform routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes and filter replacements.
Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment, systems & trucks.
Perform welding, repair and fabrication.
Prepare
Prepare work orders and cost materials estimates.
Present
Present professional appearance and demeanor.
Preventative
Preventative maintenance and repair procedures relating to CAT equipment.
Prioritize
Prioritize tasks based on urgency and equipment downtime.
Provide
Provide consultation on correct maintenance and preventative measures to machine or vehicle users.
Provide cost estimates for repairs and maintenance.
Provide own personal tools up to ¾.
Provide technical guidance to less-experienced mechanics.
Read
Read diagrams / schematics and manufacturers repair manuals for work procedures.
Repair
Repair or replace faulty components and parts.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with industry advancements and new equipment models.
Test
Test heavy machinery to ensure proper functioning.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions.
Troubleshoot and repair equipment in a timely manner.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
Troubleshoot machine breakdowns, diagnosis and provide estimated repairs for customers.
Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner.
Understand
Understand and adhere to policies and procedures as set by EMI Services.
Utilize
Utilize computer diagnostic equipment.
Utilize computerized systems for diagnostics and maintenance tracking.
Verify
Verify and repair emission control systems.
Weld
Weld and fabricate parts as needed.
Weld and modify equipment and fabricate parts and devices as necessary or as directed.
Write
Write clear parts requisitions and service write-ups.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic:
Proficiency in diagnostic tools and equipment.
Strong knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Expertise in electrical systems and troubleshooting.
Skillful in welding and fabrication techniques.
In-depth understanding of diesel and gasoline engines.
Competence in computerized diagnostic software.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and diagrams.
Proficiency in using hand and power tools.
Knowledge of engine rebuilding and overhaul procedures.
Familiarity with heavy equipment components and their functions.
Expertise in preventive maintenance practices.
Understanding of fuel injection systems.
Knowledge of gearboxes, differentials, and drivetrain components.
Skillful in repairing and maintaining braking systems.
Ability to diagnose and repair transmission problems.
Expertise in troubleshooting and repairing cooling systems.
Competence in repairing and maintaining suspension systems.
Knowledge of hydraulic and mechanical power transmission systems.
Skillful in repairing and maintaining exhaust systems.
Proficiency in understanding and utilizing technical schematics and diagrams.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic:
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Good time management and organizational abilities.
Adaptability to changing work environments and priorities.
Dedication to safety protocols and procedures.
Customer service orientation.
Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Continuous learning mindset.
Conclusion
Being a Heavy Equipment Mechanic entails a wide range of responsibilities, from diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues to conducting preventive maintenance and collaborating with team members. Alongside technical expertise, the role also requires essential soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. By possessing the necessary hard and soft skills, Heavy Equipment Mechanics can excel in their profession and contribute to the smooth operation of heavy machinery in various industries.
