Whether you’ve worked in equipment maintenance for a while or are just starting this career, you’ve likely seen the impact mechanics (like you) make on their companies and communities.
Industries like agriculture, mining, energy, transportation, forestry, mining and construction rely on diesel mechanics (technicians) daily.
Many mechanics go to the same place every day, diagnosing and repairing heavy machinery in a shop environment. This equipment is often dropped off for routine maintenance or when an issue occurs.
But what happens when equipment breaks down unexpectedly and can’t make it to the shop? Enter mobile diesel technicians.
Life as a mobile diesel technician is rewarding and exciting. No two days are exactly the same. Like any career, being a mobile tech comes with unique benefits and challenges.
Is this the right next step in your career?
Here at RDO Equipment Co., we employ mobile diesel technicians (we call them field service technicians) in multiple locations across 12 states. As such, we understand the ins and outs of this career, including its advantages and challenges.
Benefits of Working as a Mobile Diesel Technician
Being a mobile diesel technician has many advantages. Perhaps most obviously, this job gets you out on the open road and away from the shop. This can be a major plus for some mechanics.
Here are some more advantages of being a mobile diesel technician. . .
There Are a Lot of Quick Wins
As a mobile tech, you’ll be asked to fix all kinds of problems. While some of the jobs you’ll be assigned or dispatched to will be major undertakings, many won’t be as complex.
There will be a lot of quick wins, which could look something like this — you show up, conduct diagnostics and tests, perform a repair, shake hands with the person on site and move on to the next job.
This is exciting for many mechanics, who can take pride in a job (or multiple jobs) well done every day.
There’s Always Something to Learn
You'll love this job if you’re an avid learner who enjoys heavy equipment mechanics.
Every mechanic learns a lot on the job, and this career is no different. As a mobile diesel technician, expect to constantly learn new things, including:
- Diagnostic techniques
- Repair techniques
- Software systems
- Different manufacturers and product lines
- How to install/repair various engine and body components
The list goes on and on. If you have a hunger for learning, you’ll go far in this career.
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Rewarding Work
Diesel technicians are problem solvers.
They love solving customer issues and piecing together the perfect solution for every job.
Mobile service techs get to do this in an even more high-stakes environment. When a machine is broken down on a job site, at a farm or on the side of the road, a quick repair is crucial.
As a mobile diesel technician, you’ll find it’s really rewarding to be the one who brings order to the chaos of a broken-down machine. In fact, after a while, customers may even ask for you by name when they have a problem they need solved.
Every Day is Different
You’ll never start your day as a diesel technician and think, “huh, this looks familiar.” For many, that’s a good thing.
There will always be a new problem to solve, whether that’s fixing a wiring harness on a tractor, replacing a fan drive or performing a more major repair. Expect a different challenge every day as a mobile technician.
Challenges of Working as a Mobile Diesel Technician
Every job have a few challenges. The most important thing is you understand what these are before making any major career decisions. That way, you’re happy with your choice and can confidently move forward.
If you’re a more seasoned mechanic, you’re probably familiar with these things. That said, some of the common challenges of being a mobile diesel technician are. . .
A Lot of The Work is Done Alone
A shop or dealership may have 10 or more technicians on any given shift. While these techs might all work on different machinery, they’re still around each other.
This makes it easier for a shop diesel technician to ask questions during work, request help when needed and have conversations with their peers and managers.
It’s harder for a mobile technician to have a quick conversation with the person next to them when they have questions (since they’re typically out in the field alone). Mobile diesel technicians are still in contact with their coworkers and boss, but it’s not as constant (or convenient) as when working in a shop.
While some companies may employ a team of mobile techs, it’s more common to work alone. This can be a challenge for some.
There Can Be Long Hours During Busy Times of the Year
Whether they work in a shop or not, certain times of the year are busier for mechanics than others.
For example, in the trucking industry, diesel mechanics see their workload increase when companies put more miles on their vehicles — during construction seasons, retail peaks and produce harvests.
The same can be said in the agriculture, mining, forestry and construction industries. Here at RDO, our mechanics in Washington (as an example), are busier in March-December than in January-February.
This all comes down to seasonality. That said, when it’s peak time in your area, mobile diesel mechanics will likely have longer hours.
Mobile Technicians Are Called on Hard Days for Customers
Mobile diesel technicians are never called on their customer's best day. If they’ve been called to the side of the road, to a farm or a construction site, something went wrong.
As such, mobile mechanics sometimes have to deal with frustrated people and bring a sense of calm to a tough situation.
You Might Not Always Have the Right Tools for the Job
There’s certainly some creative thinking involved with being a mobile diesel technician. Out in the field, mechanics can only rely on the tools and parts they have in their mobile service vehicles.
Since they might not know exactly what they’re getting into — and how intense a repair is — until they arrive, it’s impossible to predict everything they need.
For this reason. mobile technicians can sometimes be without the proper tools or gear to get a machine up and running again.
This can be frustrating — especially if it delays the mechanic’s schedule — and isn’t something you’d necessarily deal with in a shop environment.
Your Next Step to Becoming a Mobile Diesel Technician
This job can be rewarding for people who aren’t afraid to work hard, love diesel technology and long for the freedom of working independently out on the road.
As you continue to evaluate whether this is the right position for you, here’s a more in-depth look at what a mobile diesel technician does.
Become a Field Service Technician at RDO Equipment Co.
At RDO, field service technicians are a crucial part of our business. They are an extension of our service team out in the field and a vital resource for the customers they serve.
Learn more about a Day in the Life of a Field Service Technician at RDO Equipment Co.
If you’re ready to join the RDO team as a field service technician, find an opening near you. Finally, for more information on what it’s like to work for RDO, visit our Why People Work Here page.
Greg Maurer
Greg has a rich history in the heavy equipment industry. Before transitioning into management in 2014, Greg was a field service technician for 19 years. Nine of these years were with RDO Equipment Co. where he impacted the progress of our company in Arizona through high-quality service and leadership. Today, as the general manager for our Tucson dealership, Greg leads a growing team of heavy equipment professionals and enjoys helping RDO customers succeed every day.
