Is anybody here a diesel mechanic? just wondering how you like it. im seriously considering this. what are some good big colleges for this? i would ideally like to become a service tech with a service truck who goes to job sites and works on heavy equipment. is there good money involved in this?

 

I am currently still on probation at my workplace to become a Diesel Mechanic. The only thing is right now I work on chasis, brakes, suspension, lighting, wetlines, blowers, services and maybe a couple other things I can't remember. We don't have much engine or tranny work at my place though which kinda sucks but owell, at least im working on big trucks.

I am only 18, got the job out of highschool and currently I am really enjoying it. Granted I have always loved anything to do with engines, or vehicle work so it suits me good. I am hoping that after my 3 month probation(I think i have a month left) that I will begin to start my apprenticeship. Then after 4 years of that and I might go try and get my certificate right away, or go to another place and do engine work to learn about that. But anyways as I said I am enjoying it a lot. You gain knowledge pretty quickly and you will do the jobs so often that it'll stick in your head after like the 3rd time.

For service calls, I believe there is a good amount of money involved. Being as you will need to know quite a lot before you can go out by yourself and be able to know what is wrong and then fix it.

I know there are quite a few Diesel Mechanics on here so im sure they will chime in.

 

Im not a diesel mech, but there are a few well known colleges, such as wyotech, UTI, just to name a couple. Im sure some of the guys on here can give you more info! As far as money goes, if its what you want to do and you enjoy it, money is just an added benefit!! Good luck!

 

I have a buddy that went to uti and he said it was a waste of time...He swears that the best thing to do his go right to work and you will learn more in the field...

 

I'm an Alberta Journeyman HD Mechanic, but I work in the oilfield on drilling rigs, well Topdrives to be more specific. No trucks or dirt equipment for me. I really like it. tons of money in my field.

 

Well your not going to get rich ,but you can make good money for blue collar work.I work for a Cat Dealer and I have 15 years at it ,I am a field service tech I bring my service truck home so my Dodge is just used for recreation.I make 28.65 per hour and I can usually gross about 70,000 per year with OT.We do have some techs that have hit the 100,000 mark but they pretty much work there buts off to do that.I personally dont want to work that much so I am happy with what I make.The work can be both mentally and physically hard,but a good challenge,Good luck.

 

and wage right...... My old shop at Nabors Drilling I was at $35.70 Hr with a ghay rotation. Now I work for Tesco Corp. for $38.00 Hr 4on-4off shift. $43 Hr if I do nights.

Now I'm licensed to work on Trucks and/or Heavy equipment.......but theres way more money in the patch right now so alot of guys around Alberta can't say no to the oil money.

 

Yeah Demon, you are always out standing in your field....

Anyway. Journeyman automotive and HD mechanic here too. I like to stand out in my field on a crisp fall morning, with a cup of coffee, and think about the day's work ahead.

Enough crap. The job can be very rewarding, whether working for someone else, or working on your own, which is the way I do things.

Tooling up is a big one, you end up spending more coin on tooling, than almost any other trade out there, and for some reason, they keep making more "specialty" tools all the time. That said, many times, you don't really need them.

The training is worthwhile, if you take a proper apprenticeship. Pre-employment schools are nice, but in reality, the guys who really want to do this for a living, don't seem to hit the pre-app programs, they just go right to work. The 8 week school sessions that you do, while serving the apprenticeship, are good for teaching you the basic theory that you need, to do your job, the rest is up to you.

If you are self-motivated, it is a good trade, if you need to be led around by the hand, McDonalds is calling your name.

Put the costs of schooling and tooling aside, you can make some decent coin, as HD mechanics are becoming hard to find. Good HD mechanics are even more rare. Spend time to learn good diagnostic skills, and you will be worth your weight in gold. A monkey can change parts for a living.

One other side to the whole picture, is the physical aspect of our job. We are not working with RC engines here, and stuff can get heavy. A lot of times, you can employ some sort of lifting device to make the job easier, but many times, due to space constraints, you don't have that option. That said, back and shoulder problems will occasionally happen, as will muscle strains. Don't let this deter you, as the job keeps you in really good shape, you merely need to help it along a little. Keep your core abdominal structure strong, and you won't have any trouble.

Good luck with whatever field you choose.

 

I stand in lots of fields.......its usually cold though


..........diagnostic ability is the difference between an R-n-R Mechanic and a Technician.

 

well, to me, diagnostic ability is the difference between a mechanic, and a glorified french-fry engineer.

Does that make me sound arrogant???? If it does, well, I'm ok with it.

Hah

 

I am a diesel locomotive machinist for a railroad. I started out going to school for diesel tech at Vincennes university in Southern Indiana, worked as a truck mechanic/operator for a while and then got in to the railroad. My job consists of inpsections,overhauling locomotives,and repairs.

 

Check out this months issue of diesel power! Theres a big spread on there about unoh and their diesel program. It goes over every class you will take in order to get an associates degree in diesel technology... Thats right an actual degree from a university! Not just a firm handshake and boot out the back door with nothing more from the other guys.

 

I'm not following, I was agreeing with what you said.........and I can't tell if you're calling me arrogant or what. But I was just answering the mans questions .

 

AMEN TO THAT!!!!... Thats where I make most of my $$$$... After customer mechanics throw parts at it all week, I get called out to fix it... Usually something simple (and usually inexpensive)
Where i'm at, we're in the heart of the drilling and gas compression markets. Its really easy to make 6-digits a year. Of course, thats if you work some overtime. With the technology involved on the big Cats, it seems that I spend more time working with a voltmeter and a schematic that with a wrench. (I'm ok with that, less physical work!!!)
Its a rewarding profession that will provide a good living. Not Donald Trump lifestyle, but a comfortable living.

 

I kind of happened upon my job as a diesel mechanic. I went to a four year school. Indiana State University. Graduated with a BS in Industrial Automotive Technology with a Manufacturing Technology minor. What does all this mean? I know how to make stuff. Well I got a call from a company, put my app. in and I got the job. Now I turn wrenches and run tests at Cummins in Columbus Indiana in their R&D section. I am learning more from Cummins than I ever have at school. As far as diagnositcs go, I don't have to. The engineers just love to look at that stuff, they have the computers and make the changes, I don't. There are two people in there besides me that don't have engineering degrees and they went to two years programs. I really can't tell you to go to one school over another or even to go to school. Just remember that by not going to school you are limiting yourself on what type of jobs you are "qaulified" to do.