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HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC QUESTIONS
What is it like being a heavy equipment mechanic? what are the days off like? do you get PTO? where is the best location to work or be while you are in this field?
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Frank’s Answer
I believe any type of mechanic job is a rewarding one but Heavy Equipment is definitely different. There is a reason it is called HEAVY equipment. That being said, It is an awesome career that will constantly teach you new things, keep you in shape and challenge you all at the same time. PTO depends on where and who you work for but in California, The labor laws are pretty straight forward and you should be getting some kind of PTO after your probation period is completed. The best location to work is all up for debate. I prefer California. Anywhere in Southern California to be exact. No snow. Rain is manageable when we do get it and Partd and supplies are pretty easily accessible when needed. Id also rather be in a shop than be out on the road but that’s all personal preference. I’ve done my fair share of road calls and can say those definitely made some memorable moments in my life I will never forget…
Thank you so much, Frank!
Madeline
Updated
Cesar’s Answer
Hey Madeline ,
I currently work in the "heavy equipment" industry. Not so heavy anymore more of midsize and what i mean by that is that I now work with forklifts, telehandlers, skidsteers, excavators, boom lifts, etc. Depending on your skill set will depend on what you do. The companies I have worked for are what is called the rental industry. Construction companies rent the equipment for a prolonged period of time and return it.
Entry level technicians usually do basic maintenance like oil changes, inspections, proper operation of the equipment and basic repairs.
Mid-level they also do inspections but usually at this point you have more experience in a certain skill (electrical troubleshooting, hydraulic, diesel etc) or more familiar with certain equipment so you have more responsibility on the repairs that dont take longer than half a day or less to repair.
Expert of High level technicians are usually the ones who handle all the major repairs, engine swaps, transmissions, electrical troubleshooting, engine repairs etc. All the repairs that would take a long time to do.
Then you have the field technicians. These are the guys who have been doing the job for a while and have skills to be left alone in a truck in the middle of nowhere and repair the equipment with minimal to no support.
The heavy industry world works with construction, so the entire year is busy up until the holidays. Usually November time frame it slows down up until the new year so its easier to take time off during this time. Construction workers like their holidays so it gets slow for the people renting the equipment too. Come January expect a ramp up in work.
Expect to get greasy, oily, wet, dirty etc.
Plenty of overtime
PTO is dependent on your company
Cali has nice weather, you work outdoors A LOT so decide if u want to be in rain, snow, scorching desert heat etc.
Expect to be busy until the holidays and even then, that's where everything has to be repaired in time for the new year when construction goes back to work.
Its a long response but hopefully you get an idea
I currently work in the "heavy equipment" industry. Not so heavy anymore more of midsize and what i mean by that is that I now work with forklifts, telehandlers, skidsteers, excavators, boom lifts, etc. Depending on your skill set will depend on what you do. The companies I have worked for are what is called the rental industry. Construction companies rent the equipment for a prolonged period of time and return it.
Entry level technicians usually do basic maintenance like oil changes, inspections, proper operation of the equipment and basic repairs.
Mid-level they also do inspections but usually at this point you have more experience in a certain skill (electrical troubleshooting, hydraulic, diesel etc) or more familiar with certain equipment so you have more responsibility on the repairs that dont take longer than half a day or less to repair.
Expert of High level technicians are usually the ones who handle all the major repairs, engine swaps, transmissions, electrical troubleshooting, engine repairs etc. All the repairs that would take a long time to do.
Then you have the field technicians. These are the guys who have been doing the job for a while and have skills to be left alone in a truck in the middle of nowhere and repair the equipment with minimal to no support.
The heavy industry world works with construction, so the entire year is busy up until the holidays. Usually November time frame it slows down up until the new year so its easier to take time off during this time. Construction workers like their holidays so it gets slow for the people renting the equipment too. Come January expect a ramp up in work.
Expect to get greasy, oily, wet, dirty etc.
Plenty of overtime
PTO is dependent on your company
Cali has nice weather, you work outdoors A LOT so decide if u want to be in rain, snow, scorching desert heat etc.
Expect to be busy until the holidays and even then, that's where everything has to be repaired in time for the new year when construction goes back to work.
Its a long response but hopefully you get an idea