Some vehicles have diesel-fueled engines rather than gasoline-fueled engines, and these vehicles require special maintenance. Repairing these vehicles and performing routine maintenance on them is the responsibility of a diesel technician. This can be done at a repair shop or, in some cases, the mechanic will come to the vehicle’s location. After completing repairs, the technician may be involved in billing or payment collection. One of these jobs usually requires a degree in diesel mechanics as well as some on-the-job training.
Buses and passenger trucks are two vehicles that are frequently serviced in a repair shop. When these vehicles have a problem, a diesel technician can diagnose it and determine the type of repairs that are required. This could be accomplished through the use of specialized diagnostic equipment or the study of technical manuals. If special parts are required, the mechanic may be in charge of placing the order. Other times, vehicles require routine maintenance, such as oil changes or tune-ups, which can be performed by a diesel technician.
Bulldozers, cranes, and farm equipment, for example, are difficult to transport to a repair shop. Other times, equipment may break down in unusual locations, making towing difficult or costly. As a result, a diesel technician may need to visit a vehicle’s location for repairs from time to time. This could include major tasks like rebuilding or replacing a motor, as well as minor ones like flushing and replacing fluids. When performing remote repairs, a special type of service truck may be used, and the technician is often in charge of ensuring that this truck has all of the parts and tools it requires before leaving the shop.
A diesel technician may prepare an invoice for the customer after the repairs are completed. Commercial fleet owners may have a revolving account with a repair shop, in which case this employee may be involved in billing and collection. Because some repairs are covered by warranties, the technician may need to file claims with the service provider.
In many areas, an associate’s degree in diesel mechanics is usually one of the requirements for a diesel technician. Certification in heavy equipment repair can also be beneficial if the mechanic intends to work on this type of machinery. Some colleges require students to complete a three- to six-month apprenticeship program. After a mechanic is hired for a specific position, additional on-the-job training may be required.