The Bright Future Of Bulldozer Mechanics
Bulldozer mechanics are heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics who specialize in troubleshooting, repairing and preventing problems associated with bulldozers and other industrial equipment. Most people attend formal training programs; however, some people, with no formal training but experienced in the field, find employment in this occupation.
The occupation of bulldozer mechanic is a specialization in the larger occupation of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics. Actually, most bulldozer mechanics also are knowledgeable in all types of construction equipment. In larger repair shops, bulldozer mechanics may specialize in certain aspects of repair such as engine, transmission, brake, electrical or others.
In their daily activities, bulldozer mechanics may perform routine preventative maintenance on equipment, such as oil changes. In the event a malfunction occurs, bulldozer mechanics consult the operator to get a verbal description of the problem and perform tests, which help pinpoint the cause of the problem. Bulldozer mechanics must be knowledgeable with computers and electricity as modern equipment has on board computers and diagnostic equipment. Using special tools, they replace or repair parts as necessary.
The following are the bulldozer mechanic duties and responsibilities :
* ‘Determines vehicle condition by conducting inspections and diagnostic tests; identifying worn and damaged parts. Corrects vehicle deficiencies by removing, repairing, adjusting, overhauling, assembling, disassembling, and replacing major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, parts, or systems, such as, power and drive trains, electrical, air conditioning, fuel, emission, brake, steering, hydraulics; completes machine shop operations; making adjustments and alignments including bearing loads, gear tooth contact, valve mechanisms, governors, oil systems, control linkages, clutches, and traction units.’
* ‘The Heavy Equipment Mechanic analyzes malfunctions and repairs, rebuilds and maintains power equipment, such as cranes, power shovels, scrapers, paving machines, motor graders, trench-digging machines, conveyors, bulldozers, dredges, pumps, compressors and pneumatic tools. This worker operates and inspects machines or equipment to diagnose defects, dismantles and reassembles equipment, using hoists and hand tools, examines parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges, replaces defective engines and subassemblies, such as transmissions, and tests overhauled equipment to insure operating efficiency.’
The overall employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow at a rate about as fast as that of the average occupation through the year 2016. The median annual earnings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics were $40,435 as of May 2006. Experience, voluntary certification and education bring not only advancement opportunities, such as supervisor, manager or repair shop owner, but also increased pay.
