A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for all aspects of large earth-moving equipment. A heavy equipment mechanic looks after large bulldozers, front-end loaders, and track hoes. Engine and drive train mechanics are one type of heavy equipment mechanic, while hydraulic system mechanics are another. A heavy equipment mechanic, regardless of their field of expertise, works on very large machinery and uses some very large tools to make even minor adjustments.
The sheer size and weight of the parts being serviced is one of the disadvantages of becoming a heavy equipment mechanic. Even the most basic repair frequently necessitates the use of a crane or hoist to move the part into place. For example, a heavy equipment mechanic’s basic task of changing a tire might entail using a large crane to lift a tire that weighs more than a family sedan.
The heavy equipment mechanic’s tool costs are also exorbitant. For the average auto mechanic, a single wrench could cost as much as a complete set of tools. While some auto mechanic tools are also used heavy equipment mechanics, the vast majority of the tools are designed to remove and replace bolts and nuts larger than an automobile tire’s diameter.
Due to the enormous size and weight of the parts being worked on, many heavy equipment mechanics work in pairs or even teams. A pair of mechanics is frequently required to place the wrench onto a fastener found on this equipment. Because of the sheer size of the tools, field service is only available in an emergency. The equipment is returned to the maintenance shop as soon as possible to be serviced. There are only a few parts that can be serviced without specialized lifting equipment and tools.
Fear of heights and claustrophobia are two issues that a heavy equipment mechanic may face that are uncommon in a typical auto mechanic. The mechanic may be higher than his family’s roof when servicing certain types of heavy equipment. In addition, many tasks involving the engines of this large equipment necessitate the mechanic crawling into the engine to make repairs. The job of a heavy equipment repair man is dangerous for these reasons. For their personal safety and precise diagnostic conclusions to the equipment, these mechanics must rely on and trust their coworkers.