Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic
What heavy equipment mechanics actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Load the service truck and review work orders for two job sites. From there, the day usually includes perform preventive maintenance and inspections, diagnose hydraulic, electrical and engine problems, and repair and rebuild pumps, cylinders and transmissions. Most work full-time, often with overtime. Field technicians may work long days, travel to remote sites or work rotating schedules.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a heavy equipment mechanic working full time.
- Load the service truck and review work orders for two job sites.
- Diagnose a slow hydraulic boom on an excavator using pressure gauges.
- Replace a leaking hydraulic hose and refill and bleed the system.
- Connect a laptop to a dozer to read engine fault codes.
- Replace a damaged track roller with the operator’s help.
- Perform a 500-hour service on a wheel loader.
- Complete digital work orders and restock parts.
Where heavy equipment mechanics work
Mechanics work in dealership and fleet shops and outdoors at construction, mining and forestry sites in all weather. The work is physical, dirty and involves heavy components and high-pressure hydraulics.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, often with overtime. Field technicians may work long days, travel to remote sites or work rotating schedules.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Perform preventive maintenance and inspections
- Diagnose hydraulic, electrical and engine problems
- Repair and rebuild pumps, cylinders and transmissions
- Replace undercarriage components such as tracks and rollers
- Use diagnostic software to read fault codes
- Make field repairs at job sites
- Document repairs and parts used
Tools you’ll use every day
- Diagnostic laptops and dealer software
- Hydraulic pressure gauges and flow meters
- Heavy-duty hand and power tools
- Service trucks with cranes
- Multimeters
- Torque multipliers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong demand and good pay
- Variety of machines and problems
- Dealer training programs
- Independence as a field tech
What’s hard
- Dirty, physical work outdoors
- Long hours during busy seasons
- High-pressure hydraulic and crushing hazards
- Tool investment
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like big machines
- I enjoy troubleshooting hydraulics and engines
- I don’t mind getting dirty
- I like working independently
- I can handle outdoor work in any weather
- I want strong demand for my skills
Not sure? Take the free Heavy Equipment Mechanic fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Relieve hydraulic pressure before opening lines
- Block raised equipment and never work under unsupported loads
- Follow lockout/tagout procedures
- Wear PPE and stay clear of pinch points