National
| Median wages (2008) |
$20.59 hourly, $42,820 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
131,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
42,000 additional employees |
49-3042.00 - Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and surface mining.
Sample of reported job titles:
Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Field Service Technician, Field Mechanic, Equipment Technician, Field Technician, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Construction Equipment Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Technician, Diesel Mechanic
Tasks
- Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
- Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles.
- Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
- Fit bearings to adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
- Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
- Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
back to top
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Adjustable wrenches — Adjustable monkey wrenches; Wrenches |
| Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus — Brazing equipment; Flame cutting equipment; Gas welders; Oxyacetylene welding equipment |
| Hammers — Ball peen hammers; Plastic tip hammers |
| Locking pliers — Channel lock pliers; Hose-clamp pliers; Locking C-clamp pliers; Vise grip pliers |
| Punches or nail sets or drifts — Center punches; Pin punches; Starter punches; Three-pin punches |
| Screwdrivers — Phillips head screwdrivers; Ratcheting screwdrivers; Slotted screwdrivers |
| Specialty wrenches — Brake bleeder wrenches; Crowfoot wrenches; Flare nut wrenches; Oil filter wrenches |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software |
| Facilities management software — Maintenance management software |
| Project management software — Recordkeeping software |
