What does a heavy duty mechanic do?
Heavy-duty mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for providing repairs and maintenance of mobile heavy-duty construction equipment. These mechanics must perform inspections on equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy construction equipment to detect faults and malfunctions to ensure proper performance. They must test the repaired equipment to ensure that the repair works meet the specifications of the manufacturers. Heavy-duty mechanics must also provide a safe working environment and take special precautions to protect themselves against work-related injuries.
Heavy duty mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real heavy duty mechanic resumes:
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
- Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
- Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
- Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
- Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
- Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.
- Observe OSHA and USDA guidelines and maintain clean work station.
- Repair and maintain military vehicles inspect, repair and troubleshoot.
- Maintain a safe work environment through OSHA compliance and compliance with corporate and regulatory programs.
- Operate heavy equipment, cranes, repair small and large electric generators and building and electrical maintenance as needed.
- Employ wide variety of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing equipment.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Lay out, pipe fitting, brazing, ect ...
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Heavy duty mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Heavy Duty Mechanics are proficient in CDL, Hand Tools, and Preventive Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Heavy Duty Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 13%
Operate heavy equipment and maintain a class B CDL to operate the vehicles required to perform my day to day duties.
- Hand Tools, 10%
Repair by using welding equipment, power tools, hand tools and other specialized equipment.
- Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Designed and implemented a Safety and Preventive Maintenance program for all vehicles and equipment
- Construction Equipment, 5%
Perform preventative maintenance and servicing on commercial, automotive and construction equipment.
- OSHA, 5%
Conducted Environmental safety compliance checks with the State of Hawaii, OSHA, and the Fire Department.
- Electrical Systems, 5%
Rebuild engines, transmissions, hydraulics, electrical systems, air conditioning and general maintenance.
Most heavy duty mechanics use their skills in "cdl," "hand tools," and "preventive maintenance" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential heavy duty mechanic responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a heavy duty mechanic to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what heavy duty mechanics do because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic resume shows how heavy duty mechanics use customer-service skills: "communicated with customers regarding vehicle issues and potential repairs. "
Detail oriented. Many heavy duty mechanic duties rely on detail oriented. "diesel technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes.," so a heavy duty mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways heavy duty mechanic responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "washed, cleaned, and detailed tractor trailers and company vehicles. "
Dexterity. heavy duty mechanics are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to heavy duty mechanic responsibilities, because "mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools." A heavy duty mechanic resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "inventory, forklift and machine operating since the beginning of the contract, as well as conducting a crane. "
Mechanical skills. For certain heavy duty mechanic responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a heavy duty mechanic rely on this skill, as "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what heavy duty mechanics do: "utilized exceptional institutional knowledge, including eletromechanical, mechanical, and pneumatic skills in performing various maintenance and operations procedures. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a heavy duty mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what heavy duty mechanics relies on this skill, since "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." How this skill relates to heavy duty mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a heavy duty mechanic resume snippet: "researched and implemented organizational maintenance practices/techniques, repair/replace components of the engine, cooling system, brake system, hydraulic system. "
Physical strength. While "physical strength" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to heavy duty mechanic responsibilities. Much of what a heavy duty mechanic does relies on this skill, seeing as "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of heavy duty mechanics: "provide excellent customer service by establishing and strengthening relationships with clientele. "
The three companies that hire the most heavy duty mechanics are:
- Ukpeagvik IOoOupiat Corporation11 heavy duty mechanics jobs
- Waste Management10 heavy duty mechanics jobs
- Vector Fleet Management9 heavy duty mechanics jobs
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Compare different heavy duty mechanics
Heavy duty mechanic vs. Mechanic's assistant
A mechanics assistant job involves assisting mechanics in operating, repairing, and refurbishing vehicles. Primarily, mechanics assistants work on the installation, repair, and replacement of an automobile's mechanical parts. They need to be knowledgeable of the processes and composition of automobiles. Also, they execute the opening and closing tasks in stores. The skillset for this position includes a strong work ethic, diagnostic skills, problem-solving, prior experience, customer service skills, and resourcefulness.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a heavy duty mechanic are more likely to require skills like "cdl," "preventive maintenance," "construction equipment," and "dexterity." On the other hand, a job as a mechanic's assistant requires skills like "preventative maintenance," "safety equipment," "maintenance services," and "mechanical equipment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Mechanic's assistants earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $53,930. On the other hand, heavy duty mechanics are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $52,468.mechanic's assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than heavy duty mechanics. In fact, mechanic's assistants are 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Heavy duty mechanic vs. Shop technician
Shop Technicians are skilled workers assigned to a retail store. Their main activities depend on the nature of the business their company is in. Usually, Shop Technicians work with machines in the shop. They conduct repair and maintenance work for machines that have long been in the shop. They are also in charge of installing and building new machines as well. Shop Technicians are assigned to manage records of such machines or s other mechanical items in the store. This is part of the administrative activities they may do for the shop.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that heavy duty mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "cdl," "preventive maintenance," "osha," and "dexterity." But a shop technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," "customer service," and "dot."
Shop technicians may earn a lower salary than heavy duty mechanics, but shop technicians earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $45,857. On the other hand, heavy duty mechanics receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $52,468.In general, shop technicians achieve similar levels of education than heavy duty mechanics. They're 0.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Heavy duty mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a heavy duty mechanic is likely to be skilled in "preventive maintenance," "osha," "loaders," and "technical manuals," while a typical diesel technician is skilled in "customer service," "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," and "dot."
Diesel technicians make a very good living in the utilities industry with an average annual salary of $49,875. On the other hand, heavy duty mechanics are paid the highest salary in the construction industry, with average annual pay of $52,468.diesel technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to heavy duty mechanics. Specifically, they're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Heavy duty mechanic vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between heavy duty mechanics and mechanic helpers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a heavy duty mechanic might have more use for skills like "cdl," "construction equipment," "osha," and "dexterity." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of mechanic helpers require skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety equipment," and "safety procedures. "
The professional industry tends to pay the highest salaries for mechanic helpers, with average annual pay of $36,229. Comparatively, the highest heavy duty mechanic annual salary comes from the construction industry.The average resume of mechanic helpers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to heavy duty mechanics. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.Types of heavy duty mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
