Heavy Equipment Equipment

Question: Apprentice heavy equipment mechanic, any advice, help?

(Posted by: Wayne on 2009-10-17 05:04:18)

I have recently graduated from college. I took a heavy equipment/ truck and coach Technician program that lasted 2 years. I have to admit I didnt really have a huge background in this, other than changing oil and greasing machinery. I got a job that lasted about 30 days, guy said I wasnt exprienced enough. Which I thought was obsurd considering I thought an apprenticeship was going to be to learn the trade, but I guess not. I did take longer to do things than the experienced fully qualified mechanics, and didnt know how to do certain things, but isnt an apprentice supposed to learn? Thats what I thought, until he fired me. Can anyone please help me with how I can become a better mechanic. Other than the obvious of tinkering with stuff. Does anyone have any pointers or advice? Help, i seriously do want to be a good mechanic some day, not just one that gets by. I realize the question "how can I become a better mechanic " is pretty general, and maybe a dumb question. But I need advice, help. I dont want to have to go back to school for something else, this is what I want to do.

Posted by: Theneelster on 2009-10-17, 05:13:52

What the guy was saying was that when you were in school to be a technician on heavy machinery (ie 16 wheelers) you should've learned enough to work on cars because they work the same way for the most part. While you may not have taken longer than the experienced mechanics maybe your work was sub-par or maybe he just didn't like you. You should always take a failure as a learning experience and not let it get to you. My advice...would be to be an army reservist as a fleet mechanic and get the practical mechanical expertise you are looking for (hopefully without going to Iraq). Or buy a cheap beat up not running modern car, rip everything out then put it back together and make it run.

Posted by: kelly_f_1999 on 2009-10-17, 05:46:47

Hard to start at the bottom sometimes really just keep looking for a job and keep looking for Apprentice Heavy Equipment Mechanic along the while might not just walk into a job that easy not just one job you wil lose in a life time not a big deal look for another take what you can keep looking for the right one that you like

Posted by: section hand on 2009-10-17, 06:01:15

Yes: Worked on Jet Engines -most of my life Auto-Farm Tractors; Schooling along the way; Take any System , Aircraft They all have Wings -Flaps Rudders----------But their is a "Lead in Time " cause they are so different; There were W.G 11s that would tell a New Man or Helper to pay Attn; cause they would only show once;----When a New Man came to the Bomber or Fighter and would relate how Journeyman had told Him that,I would say He didn "t get it after 7 or 8 times;I would show the things that would tear up Equip-or result in Death,and told Him You will Solo in Time,If You want too?, There was a Number that would not stay at it,So I didn't spend much Time with what we were doing,But some would stay with You,Those I would spend more time with--Takes a few days to tell.Who does? and Who don't Good Mechanics Refreshes with Schools and Training along the way,Certified---------You may have Hired into a place that wanted a top Mechanic and give Him Small pay; You were up front with Your Experience,The Economy is Weak and The Man knows good Mechanics are willing to work for less; You only get to be good at anything by putting Your Hands in it; I am 67 Yrs old still working Cars-Trucks and whatever needs Fixing,and I am still Learning; Advice : Work on anything that comes Your way;You will get it,There is a lot of Time-Grease and Dirt,and the Body pays a price---A Mechanic is not for a Casual or Lazy Person,although there are some good at 'Blowing Smoke;and draw there pay. There are Shops that Want 30 Yrs of Mechanical Experience and want it from a 20 yr. old : You can tell the difference/