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Heavy Vehicle Motor Mechanic

Also known as Agricultural Machinery Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Earth Moving Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Motor Technician, Mobile Plant Technician and Truck Mechanic.

Heavy vehicle motor mechanics repair, maintain and test heavy vehicles, other engines and related mechanical components.

Heavy vehicle motor mechanics may work on trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, earthmoving equipment, and stationary engines, including generators, pumps, compressors and drilling rigs.

They may have to work in regional areas when repairing agricultural, earthmoving and heavy transport machinery.

TASKS

Heavy vehicle motor mechanics may perform the following tasks:

diagnose, overhaul, repair, tune, maintain and test diesel, petrol and gas-powered vehicles
detect mechanical and electrical faults by using instruments that check charging and starting circuitry, batteries, ignition and ignition timing, fuel injection systems and speed control, cylinder compression, engine condition, braking efficiency, and wheel balance and alignment
repair and maintain the hydraulic components of diesel, petrol and gas engines that are used to power attachments such as hoists, booms, scrapers, buckets and augers
use oxy, ARC, TIG and MIG welding, hand-fitting or machining processes to replace or repair faulty parts

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
mechanical aptitude
good at mathematics
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a heavy vehicle motor mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Agricultural Mechanical Technology, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology or Mobile Plant Technology.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In NSW, heavy vehicle motor mechanics must be certified by NSW Fair Trading. To work as a heavy vehicle motor mechanic in the ACT, you must have a motor vehicle repair licence or work under the supervision of a licensed repairer. Contact the Office of Regulatory Services for further information.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Heavy vehicle motor mechanics are employed mainly by machinery dealers, some service stations, heavy vehicle repairers, road transport firms, bus companies and the minerals industry. Public and privatised authorities, such as those concerned with defence, communications, energy supply, public works and transport, also employ heavy vehicle motor mechanics. Some heavy vehicle motor mechanics may establish their own business.