Diesel mechanics work on diesel engines found in heavy equipment such as farm tractors, buses, trucks, and boats. They repair various systems and need mechanical and technical skills, computer technology knowledge, and physical strength. Education options include technical or community college, and ASE exams qualify for advanced positions.
If you’ve always been interested in how things work and spent your childhood taking parts apart and putting them back together, you might have a future as a diesel mechanic. A diesel mechanic is a mechanic who works on diesel engines, which can be found on heavy equipment including farm equipment such as farm tractors, heavy buses and trucks, excavators and cranes, motor graders and even boats. Some diesel mechanics specialize in diesel powered cars and trucks. A diesel mechanic is responsible for repairing a variety of systems, from installing the vehicle’s electrical system to reworking the engine from the inside out.
If you’re still in high school, consider taking classes to help you develop mechanical and technical skills. This can include everything from algebra and geometry to physics and computing classes. As the career involves dealing with electronic equipment quite consistently, a diesel mechanic needs to be up to date with basic computer technology and English. It is not uncommon for a diesel mechanic to use a laptop to help him identify engine problems. The use of power tools and welding equipment is also common. If you get the chance to do an internship at a local shop or, better yet, work part-time on farm and construction equipment, do it. Hands-on practice is the best way for you to understand what your future employment will entail.
Once you finish high school, your educational options are varied. You can become a diesel mechanic if you enroll in a technical or community college. Most schools offer the option of earning an associate degree or an advanced degree. Both options generally take 16-24 months and include practical work experience. After graduation, you have the option to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams, which qualify you as a Master Diesel Mechanic or Diesel Mechanic Technician.
Working as a diesel mechanic requires physical strength because the parts to be moved are often large and heavy. If you intend to work in this profession, keep yourself in good shape and make sure you have no physical limitations that make it impossible to handle the equipment.
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