In your career as a diesel mechanic, you will probably experience some changes.
Maybe you’ll decide to switch industries or employers to get a feel for different types of machinery. Or you could pursue a role in shop management to pass on your skills and develop as a leader.
Whatever the case, there are many options for highly skilled, hard-working mechanics.
One of these options is to become a mobile diesel technician. If you’ve heard about this job before, you know how thrilling a day in the life of a mobile technician can be — especially since no two days are exactly alike.
With this in mind, you’re wondering whether you should try your hand at being a mobile mechanic, what this would mean and how to get started down this path.
RDO Equipment Co. employs more than 100 mobile diesel technicians (we call them field service technicians) who work out of multiple locations around the U.S.
Learn more about a day in the life of a field service technician here.
To give you a better understanding of what a mobile diesel technician does, what it’s like to work as one and how you can take the next step toward a career in this field, we will cover:
- What a mobile diesel technician is
- What a mobile diesel technician does
- How much a mobile diesel technician makes
- Where mobile diesel technicians can work
- How to become a mobile diesel technician
- The pros and cons of working as a mobile diesel technician
What is a Mobile Diesel Technician?
A mobile diesel technician, or mobile equipment mechanic, examines, diagnoses, troubleshoots and repairs diesel-powered machinery and equipment away from the shop environment. Using a mobile service vehicle (outfitted with the tools and materials they need, these mechanics travel to the equipment to perform their work.
This is either broken-down or damaged equipment or machinery needing preventative maintenance.
What Does a Mobile Diesel Technician Do?
A mobile diesel technician performs many of the same electric, hydraulic, mechanical and technical repairs as a shop technician. This includes repairing and replacing parts or components, performing electrical diagnostics (especially common on broken-down agriculture and construction equipment) and fixing diesel engines.
Mobile mechanics are also responsible for communicating with customers and documenting their work throughout the repair process.
How Much Does a Mobile Diesel Technician Make?
This is usually an hourly position, some companies (like RDO) offer an incentive for mobile technicians, but not all of them do. The overall compensation for a mobile diesel technician will vary depending on their location, their experience, how many hours they work, the company they work for the industry they work within.
Based on these variables, expect to earn $20-52+/hour as a mobile diesel technician.
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Where Can Mobile Diesel Technicians Work?
Mobile diesel technicians can work in a variety of industries, for all kinds of companies. The construction, agriculture and trucking/transportation industries are the largest employers of mobile mechanics.
Equipment like semi-trucks, combines, tractors, bulldozers and cranes may break down (or fail to start) before making it to shop — this is where mobile technicians come in.
Within each of these industries, mechanics can either work directly for the company operating the equipment, a manufacturer, a dealership (where they learn to service a specific line of machinery) or a service shop specializing in heavy equipment repair.
At RDO, for instance, many of our field service technicians are based out of a dealership (resident field technicians don’t work from one). Field techs are then dispatched to fix equipment from their store’s product line(s).
For example, in Moses Lake, WA (one of our 80+stores), this is John Deere agriculture equipment, while in Idaho Falls, ID (another location), this is John Deere construction and Wirtgen machinery.
Related: Working as a Field Service Technician at RDO Equipment Co.: Pros, Cons and Considerations
How to Become a Mobile Diesel Technician
Mobile diesel technicians are often some of a company’s best mechanics. These aren’t usually entry-level technicians. Instead, mobile diesel technicians often start their careers with years in the shop environment — sometimes following an internship or apprenticeship — before transitioning into the field.
Here at RDO, it’s common for our field service techs to get an associate degree or certificate in diesel technology, complete our Access Your Future internship program, and spend a couple of years in the shop before progressing to this role.
Alternatively, we also see field service technicians enter RDO with good experience, start in the shop and then transition to the field.
While there isn’t a set path for becoming a diesel technician, here are some skills that make for a successful mobile diesel technician:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- A hunger to learn every day
- Willingness to work independently
- Solid mechanical skills, including an understanding of:
- Software systems
- Electrical systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Brake systems
- Diesel engines
- Transmissions
- Air cooling and refrigeration systems
- Fuel systems
- A generally positive attitude and confidence in your skills
- Some written communication skills (for documenting work)
Pros and Cons of Working as a Mobile Diesel Technician
Like other jobs, there are upsides to being a mobile diesel tech, as well as a few challenges you should be aware of.
Let’s start with all the great stuff, though — there is a lot to like about this job.
Pros
The most significant upsides of working as a mobile diesel tech are. . .
- The work is really rewarding
- Every day brings something new
- You get to see the impact of your work
- You’re constantly learning something and getting better as a mechanic
- You’ll develop relationships with customers
Cons
While these aren’t necessarily downsides for everyone, working as a mobile technician can be difficult for these reasons. . .
- A lot of the work is done alone (often, mobile mechanics are the only technicians out in the field)
- There can be long hours when things are busy (based on location, mechanics get busier at certain times of year)
- Mobile technicians are often called when something is wrong (sometimes have to deal with some frustrated customers)
- You might not always have the right tools for the repair (thinking on your feet is important)
Related: The Benefits and Challenges of Working as a Mobile Diesel Technician
Should You Become a Mobile Diesel Technician?
Now that we’ve discussed what a mobile diesel technician is, how much they make, where they work and how to become one, you have a better understanding of what this career path is like.
If you’re interested in starting a career as a mobile technician, do some research on companies in your area. Start your search with a local heavy equipment dealership or at a company that uses a lot of diesel-powered machinery. If they don’t have any jobs listed at the moment, keep an eye out, they likely will in the future.
Join RDO as a Field Service Technician
At the end of the day, we want you to feel successful and fulfilled in your career. As one of the world’s largest John Deere dealerships, we employ a lot of mobile mechanics at RDO.
Field Service Technicians at RDO receive comprehensive benefits packages, career pathing, ongoing manufacturer and diesel technology training and competitive pay.
Find a field service technician job in your area today. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our service technician opportunities, contact our recruiting team.
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.
