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Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Quick Facts

Median Salary$57,635
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+21.61%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Heavy Equipment Mechanic maintains and repairs heavy equipment like construction vehicles and fire trucks.


Core Tasks:

  • Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
  • Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
  • Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
  • Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
  • Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
  • Repair, rewire, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
  • Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
  • Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
  • Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
  • Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
  • Weld or solder broken parts and structural members, using electric or gas welders and soldering tools.
  • Research, order, and maintain parts inventory for services and repairs.
  • Schedule maintenance for industrial machines and equipment, and keep equipment service records.
  • Fit bearings to adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
  • Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles.
  • Assemble gear systems, and align frames and gears.
  • Clean parts by spraying them with grease solvent or immersing them in tanks of solvent.
  • Adjust and maintain industrial machinery, using control and regulating devices.
  • Fabricate needed parts or items from sheet metal.
  • Direct workers who are assembling or disassembling equipment or cleaning parts.

What to expect as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

49% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Heavy Equipment Mechanic related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

6794 openings for Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.