Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Diesel technicians play a crucial role in keeping different industries moving day in and day out. At Schneider, our skilled maintenance team ensures thousands of semi-trucks are operating properly so drivers can safely deliver loads to customers.
Since many industries use diesel-powered machines, there are several different types of diesel technicians out there. Two types include diesel service technicians, like Schneider employs, and heavy duty diesel mechanics.
Continue reading to learn the difference between the two and which could be a better career for you.
Heavy equipment diesel mechanic
Job description
Heavy equipment diesel mechanics, also referred to as heavy equipment technicians or heavy duty diesel mechanics, work on large machines used in many industries, such as:
- Agriculture.
- Construction.
- Mining.
- Rail transportation.
Job responsibilities
The job responsibilities of a heavy equipment diesel technician usually include:
- Diagnosing mechanical issues using computerized tools.
- Maintaining and repairing hydraulic and electrical systems.
- Overhauling machinery.
- Repairing and replacing faulty parts.
- Disassembling and reassembling heavy equipment and components.
- Traveling to worksites to repair large equipment.
Types of heavy equipment diesel mechanics
There are several types of heavy equipment diesel mechanics. Some examples are listed below.
Farm equipment technicians
They repair and maintain farming equipment, such as:
- Harvesters.
- Plows.
- Combines.
- Tractors.
- Seeders.
Mobile heavy equipment technicians
They service construction and mining equipment, like:
- Bulldozers.
- Cranes.
- Excavators.
- Graders.
- Scrapers.
Railcar repair technicians
They repair and maintain train engines and equipment, including:
- Diesel-powered locomotives.
- Railcars.
- Freight cars.
Places of employment
Heavy equipment diesel techs work for:
- Dealerships.
- Rental and leasing companies.
- Government agencies.
- Construction groups.
- Farm equipment wholesalers.
Diesel service technician
Job description
Diesel service technicians, also known as diesel technicians or heavy duty truck mechanics, work primarily on equipment found in transportation.
Schneider diesel technicians work in one of more than 20 shops located across the country. They also qualify for many benefits, including four-day work weeks and the option to work first, second or third shift.
Job responsibilities
The job responsibilities of a diesel service technician usually include:
- Conducting annual inspections.
- Doing preventative maintenance.
- Identifying and diagnosing mechanical issues.
- Repairing and replacing faulty parts and components.
- Overhauling engines and replacing transmissions.
- Working on electrical and exhaust systems.
Types of diesel service technicians
Like heavy equipment diesel mechanics, there are several types of diesel service technicians. Some examples are listed below.
Diesel technician
They maintain and repair large vehicles such as:
Trailer technician
They maintain and repair trailers, including:
- Dry vans.
- Tankers.
- Flatbeds.
- Reefers.
Mobile diesel technician
They work mostly outside the shop and perform on-site repairs. At Schneider, mobile diesel technicians go to customer sites, distribution centers and rail yards (no road-side repairs).
Places of employment
Diesel technicians work for:
- Transportation companies, like Schneider.
- Truck dealerships.
- Rental and leasing groups.
- Public transit.
- Government agencies.
