A Heavy Equipment Technician is a professional who specializes in maintaining and repairing heavy machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. These technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that the equipment operates efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Heavy Equipment Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Technician:

Achieve

Achieve or exceed key performance indicators (KPI's) for the team and areas of responsibility.

Adhere to

• Adhere to all Company safety standards.

• Adhere to workplace safety policies, regulations and compliances.

Adjust

• Adjust and calibrate machinery to ensure optimal performance.

• Adjust and replace brake, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.

Assemble

• Assemble and install customer additions including, rear fenders, lights and headache racks.

• Assemble components by using specialized tools such as drills, presses, impacts, torque wrenches.

Assess

Assess and provide input related to equipment retirement.

Assist with

• Assist in troubleshooting, researching and sourcing information for complex repairs.

• Assist with a variety of shop repairs and diagnostics as required.

• Assist with maintenance schedules and general repairs.

• Assist with on-site service calls to inspect, service and repair rental equipment as needed.

• Assist with troubleshoot, maintenance and repair of Caterpillar equipment.

Build

Build positive relationships with customers.

Clean

Clean, lubricate and perform other maintenance work.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with equipment manufacturers for technical support and guidance.

• Collaborate with other team members to identify and solve complex issues.

Communicate

• Communicate equipment servicing needs as required with Branch Supervisor / Manager.

• Communicate with equipment owners for authorization of servicing and repairs as required.

• Communicate with Lead Hand and / or Service Manager regarding job progress and job status changes.

• Communicate work performed and complete service paperwork.

Complete

• Complete job tasks in a timely fashion.

• Complete maintenance records and documentation as required.

• Complete parts replacement, repairs, and service on heavy equipment.

• Complete required documentation and reporting for inspections and repairs.

• Complete technical documentation (service reports, warranty, crossover notes).

• Complete work orders and enter technician notes into computer.

Conduct

• Conduct equipment performance evaluations.

• Conduct housekeeping duties.

• Conduct inspections for safety compliance and adherence to regulations.

• Conduct performance tests and tune equipment for optimal efficiency.

• Conduct preventative maintenance and repairs, both scheduled and random.

• Conduct regular inspections of facilities for compliance and asset integrity.

• Conduct regular maintenance inspections on equipment.

• Conduct regular preventative and predictive maintenance tasks and inspections.

• Conduct regular preventative maintenance tasks and inspections.

Confer

Confer on a regular basis with Shop Supervisor on any operational deficiencies.

Create

Create assessment tools to evaluate the learning process and maintain progress records.

Determine

• Determine and document required repairs including preparing work orders.

• Determine components specifications (tolerances, thickness, lengths, etc.).

Diagnose

• Diagnose and conduct all major and minor equipment repairs.

• Diagnose and inspect equipment for faults and malfunctions.

• Diagnose and provide guidance to Service Technicians on the appropriate services or repairs required.

• Diagnose and repair all related systems on transport trucks.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot defects in heavy duty equipment.

• Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems using testing equipment.

• Diagnose mechanical issues and perform repairs.

• Diagnose problem areas for any significant wear or tear on the equipment.

• Diagnose the source of any faults and malfunctions and perform repairs.

Document

Document the parts movements in the appropriate software.

Drive

Drive Gear Oil & Filter changes.

Engage

Engage and participates in Ledcor safety policies and procedures.

Engine

Engine items such as turbos, HVAC systems, hydraulic and air brake systems.

Ensure

• Ensure all work is completed in a safe manner.

• Ensure maintenance of tools and equipment parts.

Establish

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with customers.

Examine

Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.

Fill out

Fill out warranty information.

Follow

• Follow all company's filed procedures and protocols.

• Follow manufacturer and internal maintenance programs and inspection procedures.

• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean work area.

Handle

Handle day-to-day service and maintenance operations.

Help

Help dealers, customers and sales people with technical issues via phone, computer or in person.

Identify

• Identify and determine parts required for services and repairs.

• Identify and source required parts and materials for repairs.

• Identify and takes part in correcting all sources of danger and accident risks.

• Identify warrantable repairs and document on repair order.

Improve

• Improve occupational health and safety.

• Improve the quality of instruction through professional development activities.

Initiate

Initiate purchase orders.

Inspect

• Inspect and diagnose components and equipment for servicing needs.

• Inspect and install customer options on a variety of Caterpillar equipment.

• Inspect and repair mechanical drive systems, such as transmissions and axles.

• Inspect, maintain, and service of equipment.

• Inspect, repair and adjust gasoline and diesel powered units.

• Inspect torn-down components to identify defects and flaws.

Install

Install and align engines and machinery.

Interact with

Interact with customers, sales support, and the rest of the team.

Interface with

Interface with customers, products and sales support.

Interpret

Interpret work orders and technical manuals, and writes service reports.

Keep

• Keep a clean and safe work environment.

• Keep detailed and accurate maintenance reports and documentation.

• Keep inventory of tools, equipment, and spare parts.

• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in heavy equipment technology.

Know

Know and respect all of the procedures provided in the Quality Manual.

Liaise with

Liaise with vendors and secures favorable pricing of parts and services.

Load

Load and Unload truck and shipping containers.

Log

Log all in house repairs, outside repairs and warranties in FAE operating software.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of repairs and maintenance.

• Maintain a clean work environment / vehicle and abide by all safety protocols.

• Maintain all inventory control documents.

• Maintain and develop positive professional relationships with existing and potential customers.

• Maintain and participate in company technical training and professional development.

• Maintain and repair On Road Heavy Equipment to Provincial and Company Standards.

• Maintain and updates equipment files.

• Maintain a professional company image at all times.

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.

• Maintain a working knowledge of changes in technology and repair techniques.

• Maintain close contact with relevant industry sectors.

• Maintain company tools and equipment.

• Maintain effective communication with clients and provide excellent customer service.

• Maintain Equipment status report along with updating equipment service intervals.

• Maintain excellent customer relations.

• Maintain Finning Customer Service Commitment.

• Maintain open and clear communication with Shop Supervisor on any operational deficiencies.

• Maintain organized and safe work area, shop tools and service van.

• Maintain professional and ethical relationships with students, colleagues, and industry partners.

• Maintain proper documentation, records and reporting practices.

• Maintain, repairs and overhauls aircraft ground service equipment in a safe, efficient manner.

• Maintain strong communication with teammates and superiors.

• Maintain work area in a clean and organized manner.

Make

• Make sure that the garage remains clean and safe.

• Make sure to properly maintain the parts inventory.

Manage

• Manage equipment inventory tracking.

• Manage the classroom or lab to ensure a positive learning environment.

Monitor

Monitor equipment performance and recommend upgrades or replacements.

Move

Move components by operating overhead cranes, jib hoists, forklifts, and pallet jacks.

Operate

• Operate and test equipment.

• Operate and test equipment and where possible, do so under actual operating conditions.

• Operate customer vehicles safely and respectfully.

• Operate diagnostic tools and equipment to identify problems.

• Operate tools, equipment, and machinery according to prescribed safety procedures.

Order

Order materials / parts required to complete repairs.

Participate in

• Participate in curriculum development, program reviews and course reviews.

• Participate in post-event failure analysis and root cause discussions to develop solutions.

Perform

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Perform additional job related assignments as directed by supervisor.

• Perform a wide variety of equipment repair diagnostics.

• Perform basic routine maintenance work.

• Perform customer, OEM and government inspections on vehicles.

• Perform CVIP inspections and perform repairs as required on On-Highway equipment.

• Perform duties with little or no supervision and in a timely and efficient manner.

• Perform equipment diagnosis and equipment rebuilds.

• Perform field diagnosis and field running repairs.

• Perform mechanical repairs on equipment in the shop and road calls when required.

• Perform mechanical repairs on equipment on site.

• Perform preventive maintenance services and inspections.

• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to avoid breakdowns.

• Perform rebuilds of major components for a variety of equipment.

• Perform routine inspections of engines and fluid systems.

• Perform trouble shooting, mechanical repairs on a variety of heavy equipment.

• Perform updates, pre-season delivery inspections, and pre-season inspections.

Power

Power trains including differentials, transmissions, clutches, drive shafts, PTO's and wheel ends.

Prepare

• Prepare accurate service and repair reports in a timely manner.

• Prepare and present learning outcomes and activities in a classroom, laboratory and industry setting.

Produce

• Produce timely and detailed service reports.

• Produce timely and detailed service reports and repair logs.

Provide

• Provide detailed reports on repairs, including cost estimates and timelines.

• Provide on-going support, guidance and advice to students.

• Provide paperwork promptly to management.

• Provide safety leadership in accordance with on-site safety requirements.

• Provide technical expertise for both the field and shop operations.

• Provide technical training and guidance to Apprentices and Serviceman.

• Provide troubleshooting, course of action for emergency repairs.

Raise

Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.

Read

Read diagrams and schematics for work procedures.

Refrain

Refrain from actions and behaviours that might constitute violence, discrimination or harassment.

Remove

Remove and replace major components (engines, transmissions, wheel motors, etc.).

Repair

• Repair and adjust equipment and replace defective parts.

• Repair and adjust hydraulic pumps, safety switches, and any other necessary mechanical components.

• Repair and maintain hydraulic systems, including pumps and valves.

• Repair and / or replace defective parts.

• Repair and service all construction equipment within the established time standards.

• Repair or replace faulty components.

Respond to

• Respond to emergency repair requests promptly.

• Respond to student issues.

Show

Show personal interest in the learner and create a climate conducive to optimal learning.

Stay updated on

• Stay informed about new technologies and advancements in heavy equipment maintenance.

• Stay updated on relevant industry regulations and safety standards.

Support

Support spare parts department with shipping-receiving.

Take

• Take part in promoting ALC safety objectives.

• Take pride in your quality of workmanship.

Test

• Test equipment after repairs to ensure proper functioning.

• Test new equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturer specifications.

• Test repaired equipment for proper performance before sending equipment back to work.

Train

Train and mentor junior technicians.

Travel

Travel to work sites for preventative maintenance and repairs when required.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and repair Caterpillar, along with other mechanical equipment.

• Troubleshoot and repair diesel engines.

• Troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic systems.

• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain equipment.

Undertake

Undertake assignments as required in support of client needs.

Update

Update and maintain service records.

Uphold

Uphold all applicable company Health and Safety Policies.

Utilize

• Utilize appropriate educational technology for presentations, communications and program promotions.

• Utilize Caterpillar SIS and ET daily.

• Utilize regular student feedback to identify and implement instructional improvement.

Weld

Weld and fabricate parts when necessary.

Work with

• Work closely and keep in regular communication with Shop Foreman.

• Work closely with apprentices as required by supervisor.

• Work with high quality individuals and teams.

• Work with Manufacturers online support.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Heavy Equipment Technician:

1. Proficiency in reading and interpreting equipment manuals and technical drawings.

2. Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, including engines and powertrain components.

3. Expertise in diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical systems.

4. Competence in using diagnostic tools and equipment.

5. Proficiency in welding and fabrication techniques.

6. Knowledge of hydraulic systems and their maintenance.

7. Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

8. Competence in utilizing hand and power tools.

9. Understanding of preventive maintenance procedures.

10. Proficiency in using various testing equipment, such as pressure gauges and multimeters.

11. Ability to work with heavy machinery and equipment safely.

12. Knowledge of diesel engine repair and maintenance.

13. Expertise in repairing and maintaining mechanical drive systems.

14. Understanding of brake systems and their maintenance.

15. Proficiency in interpreting equipment schematics and wiring diagrams.

16. Knowledge of engine performance evaluation and tuning.

17. Competence in utilizing lubrication systems and procedures.

18. Familiarity with emission control systems and regulations.

19. Understanding of fuel injection systems and their maintenance.

20. Proficiency in conducting equipment inspections and evaluating performance.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Heavy Equipment Technician:

1. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

2. Excellent attention to detail.

3. Effective time management and organizational skills.

4. Solid communication and interpersonal skills.

5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

6. Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments.

7. Strong work ethic and reliability.

8. Good documentation and record-keeping abilities.

9. Dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

10. Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to protocols.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Heavy Equipment Technicians have diverse responsibilities, ranging from diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues to conducting preventive maintenance and collaborating with other team members. These professionals require a combination of technical expertise, such as knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as essential soft skills like problem-solving and communication. By possessing these skills and fulfilling their responsibilities effectively, Heavy Equipment Technicians contribute significantly to the smooth operation and longevity of heavy machinery in various industries.