What is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic and What Does One Do?

If you have a mechanical background and a passion for working on machinery, you have a bright future. 

The demand for mechanics — from automotive shops to trucking dealerships — is as high as it has ever been. 

This is good news as you seek your next (or first) position in this field. 

However, the number of different ways you can use your skillset and build a career as a mechanic can make it difficult to know what’s truly best for you. 

I have spent more than 20 years in and around the heavy equipment industry, many of which were spent in the shop as a heavy equipment mechanic. 

I think working as a heavy equipment mechanic is a great choice for any diesel mechanic who enjoys a challenge and embraces learning. 

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what a heavy equipment mechanic is, what you can expect to do in this career and how to get started. 

What is a Heavy Equipment Mechanic? 

Heavy equipment mechanics are professional diesel mechanics who focus on inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing and servicing heavy machinery and equipment. 

This can be many kinds of machinery, used in various industries. 

Examples of machinery a heavy equipment mechanic may work on include: 

• Agriculture equipment 
  • Sprayers
  • Balers
  • Combines
  • Tractors
  • Planters and Seeders

• Construction Equipment
  • Backhoes
  • Skidsteers
  • Dozers
  • Excavators
  • Articulated Dump Trucks

• Forestry Equipment
  • Shovel Loggers
  • Forwarders
  • Loaders
  • Harvesters

• Road Paving and Maintenance Equipment
  • Pavers
  • Compactors
  • Sweepers
  • Rollers
  • Planers
• Mining
  • Crushers
  • Mining Drills
  • Mining Trucks
  • Draglines

Heavy equipment mechanics can learn about and become equipment experts in industries like agriculture, construction, forestry, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing and more. 

While you can’t do everything at the same time, this career offers flexibility in job duties and the type of equipment they work on. 

What Does A Heavy Equipment Mechanic Do? 

Heavy equipment mechanics do a lot of different things every day. If there is work that needs to be done on a piece of machinery, it’s their job to perform it. 

This includes doing inspections, troubleshooting issues and repairing problems across machine systems like: 

• Diesel Engines
• Transmissions
• Hydraulic Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Air Conditioning Systems
• Heating/Cooling Systems
• Braking Systems
• Steering
• Fuel Systems
• Pumps

In addition to the hands-on time working on machines, a heavy equipment mechanic’s day may include things like:

• Filling out work orders
• Filling out job safety assessments
• Meeting with other members of their team
• Meeting with their manager
• Participating in training
• Maintaining and cleaning their workstation
• Driving (if they are a mobile technician)
• Collaborating with sales and parts team members (if they’re in a dealership setting)

One thing is certain: don’t expect two days to be the same as a heavy equipment mechanic. That’s one of the best parts about the job, though. 

How Much Does a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Make?

Heavy equipment mechanics earn a respectable living. While it varies based on factors like location, experience and your specific background, platforms like Zip Recruiter, Salary.com, Indeed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest heavy equipment mechanics earn $61,000-$68,000 per year on average. 

Wages for these roles range between $42,000-$85,000+ per year. However, this may go up or down based on your situation. For example, mobile heavy equipment technicians often have a higher wage range. 

Here are six main factors impacting heavy equipment mechanic pay. 

How Do You Become a Heavy Equipment Mechanic? 

Heavy equipment mechanics are some of the most talented technicians in the workforce. There are many ways to get into this industry, but it does take time. 

Commonly, people will achieve an associate, technical or bachelor’s degree in diesel technology from an accredited college. From here, they’ll gain work experience through a heavy equipment internship or apprenticeship — RDO has these programs. 

There are plenty of alternative routes, however. For example, an experienced automotive or semi-truck mechanic could also transition to the heavy equipment trade. 

This is a relatively smooth career change, as there’s a lot of similarity between the work performed in these industries.

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How to Get Started as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Now that you have a better understanding of what a heavy equipment mechanic is and what one does, are you ready to get started? 

Being a heavy equipment mechanic can be a stable, great career for many people. If you’re passionate about equipment maintenance and enjoy learning new things, this could be an excellent career move. 

Often, your success as a technician depends on the support and culture offered by your employer. 

Here are some tips for selecting the next company you work for.

Join RDO Equipment Co. as a Service Technician

RDO is proud to employ more than 1,000 full-time service technicians across 12 states. We support these team members through tool reimbursements, continuous training, profit sharing and defined career path levels. 

If you’re brand new to the diesel mechanic profession, check out our Access Your Future (AYF) Service Apprenticeship Program. 

For veteran technicians, we have service technician openings in many U.S. locations. Learn more about RDO service technician careers. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to help you in any way you need.