Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechs

[Sea_Chicken1]

What do you guys think of the overall industry in general? I am a welder and have been a airframe and hydraulic mechanic on various aircraft for the last eleven years. Now my time in the military is coming to an end in two years so I am researching other career paths.

The diesel and heavy equipment field looks interesting to me and allot of the skill sets seem to be transferable if I go to a tech school and learn the diesel specific things. What do you guys think of some of the tech schools as well? ATI seems to be good from an outsider perspective.

 

[crewchief888]

ive been at const eq dealerships for over 30 years...

some were good, with good management,

others not so good...

now-a-days, it's not all sledgehammer work,
1/2 my calls require electrical diagnostics

 

[a52-830]

my son started last fall in a auto tech program. we looked around a bit.

there has been a lot of bad press recently about "for profit" schools doing a lousy job training people. i dont know anything about ATI, and dont remember looking at that particular one (we looked in the vicinity of Boston), but he ended up choosing a community college that seems to have a well established program, with co-op relations with a sh*t load of local dealerships.

so far, things have been great. while he (literally) hated high school, he loves CC. he doesn't mind that he has to take english and math classes (and i suspect they are special ones aimed at the auto tech students), but next May he will be presented with a shiny Associates degree, along with some ASE certificates.

i dont have a college degree, so i can't be accused of valuing a college degree because it is a college degree. i do think he is getting a better education there than he would have gotten at one of the "institutes" he looked at, and i was honestly surprised he went this path rather than the quicker certificate route. i am also not convinced that the cost of the "school" part is any more expensive than it would have been had he gone the certificate path. it is costing more, since i need to support him for about 18 months, rather than the 7 to 9 months i recall the other programs taking.

you sound a lot further along than the kid is, and you may not benefit from the "school" aspect of it as much as he has, but i would suggest you talk to a CC or two before you decide. remember, the CC isn't looking to make a profit off you.

 

[brownbagg]

cant you get heavy equipment training in the miltary, get paid to learn

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

There are a few schools I have found that do both a degree and an ase certificate. One of the ones I was looking at is out here in WA but we are trying to go back to VA beach for a bit and that is where ati is located. The GI Bill pays for trade schools now so it would be a waste not to use it to pick up more skills and job opportunities.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

cant you get heavy equipment training in the miltary, get paid to learn

I have worked on Helo's and fixed wing aircraft for eleven years as a mechanic and troubleshooter. The military has trained me, I am trying to take transferable skills and experience over to another industry. Some specific training and schooling will be required by most employers.

 

[rcupp]

After 25+ years I'll say that there is easier ways to make more money...
You have an A&P? If so I would be using it!

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

A&P is not any easier. I do the military equivalent. Thought about going that route but I want out of aviation.

 

[Jo Diesel]

Why not heave equipment. The hydraulics now days are really sophisticated but would be right up your alley and pays way better than anything automotive.
Most HE jobs around here hire Vets FIRST !
Just something about a big shiny machine that can TEAR STUFF UP.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

20 years now in the same equipment dealer since I left the military where I had been a 62B for the Army.

Its good an bad.

Equipment is always needed, therefore there's almost always work. Some fluctuations in economy / jobs shut down as so on, but overall pretty stable field to work in.

IMO, equipment work requires lots more need for general mechanical ability - bigger parts to handle / lift, hydraulics, electrical - both basic 12 volt and canbus / computer systems.

Being able to weld is a big plus to go along with it. You don't know how many bird-**** welds I see on equipment that the "mechanic" patched up in the field which then has to be redone later.

Like Crewchief said - my work has changed to be at least 1/2 electrical / computer...yesterday I spent half my day diagnosing a hydraulics control computer and the second half welding a machine back together. Sometimes I go a week using nothing but a laptop or a multi-meter and wiring diagrams. Other times is no-stop component rebuild / replacement to get machines rolling.

The bad side can be the work load / environment -- I worked a lot of weeks well over 65 hrs, sometimes outside at night in pouring rain. Laying in the mud on work site *****. Laying on hot asphalt under a hot machine in the sun in 95 degree weather *****. But the bank account likes it.....

 

[BillK]

sc,
Since you have some time, how about going around to some of the larger diesel shops in your area on your off days and get their feel for schools ? Tell them what your plans are and see what they say. That will also give you an insight as to the shop conditions etc.

You might also see if you can sign up on iATN and do some reading on the Heavy Duty forums. iATN is free but you are supposed to be working in the industry to join. I am pretty sure your present position would qualify you ?
www.iatn.net

 

[Finky198]

You could look into becoming a millwright as other have said recently on GJr. Its a paid apprenticeship with benefits and a union. Its very technical with an infinite possibilities and with your skill set you'd seem to be very high on the the list...


A little story...
My Father was a Navy aircraft mechanic who got A&P lic after coming home from Vietnam. He always said the work was technical, fairly clean, and enjoyable... the issue was in the reliability pvt planes for biz and persons are always the first things to get cut from a budget... and big air lines paid peanuts... he later got into machining, composites, Injection molding....

 

[sberry]

Welders can go in to any of the trades. Look for something in maintenance where you can stand with finger up *** and look important, all the diesel and hydraulics i filthy, diesel adds a layer of blackness and even the tech side usually has a layer of grime.

 

[Oldb]

I can tell you that there is a huge shortage of heavy equipment techs looming. Something like 80% of the current heavy equipment techs are due to retire in 8 years. And there are not enough coming along to fill the demand.
One area you might consider is public transit. (buses) I know one system that has been looking for a qualified tech for over a year. And many others have openings.
Some of the larger systems are starting apprentice programs.
Most transits are union shops so you have the seniority system, meaning you will start on night shift, work holidays and weekends. But if you can deal with that, in time you will work up the seniority list and end up on day shift. The pay, benefits and retirement are very good, training is ongoing.
Worth looking into.

B

 

[tatra]

I'm in the rail industry as a locomotive mechanic. Larger railroads will be Union and as said before, seniority and shift work are the norm. I would also suggest millwright or boilermaker if you like welding. Also it could depend on your personal life. Are you married with kids and willing to spend time away doing the job? What i have seen from the truck transport industry I would not want to do it myself. If you do go into a union shop try to talk to someone on the floor or the union reps themselves as to the possibility of getting onto shifts and jobs you would be comfortable with. The bs line from management that it won't take long is what you consider not taking long and them could be 10 years. Many cases in my workplace where new hires were led to believe 5 years max and days with weekends were there for the taking . Try more like 15 with a partial weekend still on off shift. The union will be straight up with you hopefully as having disgruntled members who come on after leaving their previous employer is an issue after being misled by the Company management. Good luck.

 

[wrench409]

Electronic/electrical and emissions experience and knowledge is a must in the Diesel/NG fueled industries now.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Thanks for all of the helpfull responses. Finky's father is right about the aviation industry in the private sector. The big airlines don't pay and the small outfits are sketchy at best. The way to go is to stay a private contractor with the military. The pay is decent and once they have the job most of them get lazy because they dont get fired for wasting time.

I do plan on seriously looking into the heavy equipment side of the diesel world. I think I would much reather work heavy equipment with a welding hydraulic background it makes more sense. That iATN forum looks like a good place to check out.

 

[bw77]

I have no personal experience with this program, but the CAT Think Big program
looks interesting. It features on the job paid internship with a CAT dealer.

There is one in your part of the country:

http://www.pcc.edu/programs/think-big/

 

[homebuilt burner]

I see you're in WA, winter ***** for diesel mechanics. The good paying jobs are usually municipalities (not in Wisconsin anymore), but that's who plows snow and collects garbage.

The money is good, the trades are better for the same skill set. I have been a diesel tech for going on 30 years, at a lot of different places, fleet work is less money but less stressful. Dealerships=schooling and tooling, independent shops=more variety. It's not a bad career, somebody always needs something fixed. It's dirty and the parts are heavy.

A really underserved market right now seems to be automotive diesel, i.e.diesel pickups. Big truck guys don't want to mess with them and auto dealers don't really understand them.

If you are staying put I'd suggest a local tech school. If you want to travel a nationally know school. Good luck

 

[rcupp]

Thanks for all of the helpfull responses. Finky's father is right about the aviation industry in the private sector. The big airlines don't pay and the small outfits are sketchy at best. The way to go is to stay a private contractor with the military. The pay is decent and once they have the job most of them get lazy because they dont get fired for wasting time.

I do plan on seriously looking into the heavy equipment side of the diesel world. I think I would much reather work heavy equipment with a welding hydraulic background it makes more sense. That iATN forum looks like a good place to check out.

I work for the worlds largest cargo airline(them purple tailed ones), believe me they will make it worth your while to get your A&P!

 

[Streetbu]

Seems like you have your heart set on it so here's my .02. I have a buddy that just retired from the Army. He started working at a VERY large CAT dealer in TX. He likes it, but it was also a huge change from the military. Late nights, weekends sometimes. None of this was mentioned before.... pay for him is ok, little pay cut going from E-8 to private sector... he doesn't plan on staying and retiring. I would HIGHLY recommend a state or county job doing heavy diesel tech job. Much more normal hours, great benefits, decent pay and vacation. Wish I had done that when I got out instead of the dealership thing...

 

[Ruger_556]

There are a few schools I have found that do both a degree and an ase certificate. One of the ones I was looking at is out here in WA

Bellingham Tech has an excellent program and Jeff is a good instructor

After 25+ years I'll say that there is easier ways to make more money...
You have an A&P? If so I would be using it!

There's always easier ways to make money no matter what you do. My future brother in-law is an aircraft mech and he makes less than I do and has an hour commute into Seattle...

 

[Firebrick43]

Have you looked at a factory machine repairman? I work in a non Union factory and make more than most area heavy equipment mechs. Work on large cnc machines, pumps, chip handling systems. Worked on Huey's and Cobras in the corps as well as farm dealerships. Our factory is climate controlled and good bennifits. If you know hydraulics really well or are willing to learn its a good field. A surprising number of my coworkers were former a&p as well. Some were heavy equipment mech but most can't keep from beating on precision machinery with hammers. As some have mentioned most of these trade are having a huge turnover in a few years due to baby boomers retiring. We have seen it and several recent apprentice grads are already on day in less than a year.

I personally think school for you would be a waste. Study a little bit about the industry you pick. You will find it the same kind of mechanisms just packaged differently.

 

[Jo Diesel]

Both the large HE dealerships around here are UNION and state of the art shops. The techs start out at over $40K and go up to over $80K. The mobile guys make more and have their own trucks. Most of the guys specialize so if you weld you do a lot of welding. If you are a hydraulic tech, you probably would not do any PM's or track's. Each one has over 50 mechanics.

 

[78C-10]

I've been working on heavy equipment for 20 years now, I'm at my second CAT dealer. If you can find a union one (I'm in one) they can pay ok. What kind of physical shape are you in, being military I am assuming you are in good shape. I'm only 41 but boy do I feel the effects of 20 years of HE repair already. My knees, shoulders, and back ache a lot more these days, not all the time though. This machinery is called Heavy Equipment for a reason. If you look into the CAT Think Big program go in knowing you only get paid for the six weeks you are working, the six weeks you are at school you do not get paid. Good luck in your endeavors.

 

[Fixnair]

I worked as an industrial machinery mechanic (compressed air) for 55 years and loved it. Every day was a different location, different people and different circumstances. Never went out on strike and was never laid off and worked for one employer 30 years 'till I went out on my own. Should have done that years earlier.
Like I've told all the young people just starting out in the trade, learn compressed air and you'll never have to look for a job.

 

[Roddyo]

Caterpillar has a set of training books they use for their techs. If your interested I'll get your the names and you can probably download the PDFs.

Or google Caterpillar training PDF

 

[tatra]

Electro hydraulic specialists with strong Plc understanding and programming abilities are very much sought after around here. Millwright would be a good place to start .

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Thanks for all of the great response so far. I just got back into town from a job out of state. I didn't get online much. The HE side of things is looking more interesting to me due to having a background in welding and advanced hydraulics. The schools that I have been looking into have both Diesel and HE training with th option for a combined program.

I want to use the GI bill and get retrained on the industry specifics and electronic portion of things because that is where my skills are lacking. Been a wrench turner, and a battlefield butcher for a long time. Allot of places seem to have a hard time finding guys that can do both.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Caterpillar has a set of training books they use for their techs. If your interested I'll get your the names and you can probably download the PDFs.

Or google Caterpillar training PDF

Thanks for th offer Roddyo, I'll send you a pm.

 

[W.O.B.]

I work in the rental side of the equipmet industry and I will offer a bit of advice. I would look more into the aerial side of the equipment industry. There is a need for tech's that can repair and not just be parts replacers. The aerial side is typically not as physically demanding and more technical.

btw, I am not advocating for the rental industry, just suggesting the aerial portion.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

I work in the rental side of the equipmet industry and I will offer a bit of advice. I would look more into the aerial side of the equipment industry. There is a need for tech's that can repair and not just be parts replacers. The aerial side is typically not as physically demanding and more technical.

btw, I am not advocating for the rental industry, just suggesting the aerial portion.

Can you be more specific?

 

[Roddyo]

BTW, I haven't forgot about you, I've been busy.

The lifts have miles of wiring and are switch controlled from a box in the basket and lots of electric over hydraulic valves on the machine plus all the normal things that need serviced and repaired. So lots of small piddly stuff to keep a lift going......and it all pays the same.

United Rentals would be a good place to work if you want to learn about everything instead of just one brand.

 

[W.O.B.]

Sure,

The type of equipment that I would be speaking of would be boom lifts, scissor lifts, atrium lifts, variable reach forklifts as well as counterbalance forklifts. Basically all equipment that lifts people or material to elevated positions.

The technical side really come in when dealing with large booms between 120-185 ft tall (nicknamed super booms). The mechanical side is simple, the electrical side is moderately difficult due to redundant safety systems. The hydraulics are standard fare for anyone that has dealt with a hyd distribution block, there is just more of it on the bigger machines.

As far as the general rental side, you have to be a jack of all trades and really a master of none, just too many variables.
There are however some aerial specific rental facilities and they would be a good choice. They allow you to work in a specific sector and really shine a spotlight on a good technician.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

 

[duncman]

As a previous HD Diesel mechanic, I can say it can be a fun, yet testing line of work to be in. The pay can be good, but its hard to find, especially if you want to only work 40 hours a week. I made the switch to the IT field (Server Administration) and I have never looked back. The pay is really good, and the field in general is a nice one to work on. In my experiences in mechanics is there was a lot of back stabbing and people trying to make you look back, so they can look better and get "the promotion". It field I have had nothing be helpful people doing their best to see my succeed.

I know the first thing you are thinking is that you are a mechanic, and know nothing about computers, and while that might be the case, you have no idea how well your general knowledge of troubleshooting and how things "should work" comes into play in the server field. And I would also say that this is the perfect time to make the switch, I had to take a good little pay cut to move fields and start back at the bottom, but I have worked my way up in my company pretty quickly and I make more now working 40hours a week then I used to working 60+. You can PM if you are interted in looking into it, I can send you some stuff to look into and study.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Roddyo That's ok, were all busy.

W.O.B. - Sounds like most people just do not want to dea with the hassle of narrowing the electrical down.

Duncman - I really appreciate the offer. At this time I just have no interest in IT fields. I am probably the most computer illiterate 30yr d out there.

 

[bmxdad]

I work in the Washington college system ... go to a Community or Technical College if you can. You can get a BA at some colleges and there are all kinds of programs available.

 

[MrElectric03]

I have spent the last ten years as a field technician for a Komatsu dealer and started my career at a Cat dealer. My opinions of the different schools are not very good. UTI and Wyotech students I have worked with usually don't last long, they get into the field and once they learn they will have to be ok getting covered in grease, swing 20 lb hammers, and lay in mud they start talking about wanting to be a manager. These are the only two schools I have dealt with graduates from and there are certainly guys out there that it worked well for, I just haven't met any. The only person I worked with from a school that lasted said it was a complete waste of his time that now has left him with huge financial debt.

Think Big program was kind of a joke when I was working for the Cat dealer. Our branch would hold classes and a couple Think Big guys would join in and we would be teaching them to use a voltmeter after over a year in the program. Komatsu holds similar classes but honestly with your experience you are far beyond those programs. They are usually for people that just graduated high school and want into the industry and the failure rate is ridiculous.

My advice to guys is to get on with a dealer and learn from the guys there. Maybe take some community college night courses if you land a shop job where you are working less overtime. I worked with many people that are military vets and having hydraulic experience you are already ahead of the game. Just learn as much as you can, never turn down the training dealers provide for the newer equipment, and be ready to work long nights, weeks away from home, and weekends. More importantly, make sure your wife is ready for it too.