Diesel engines are used in the heavy equipment that we have come to rely on, due in part to it’s higher efficiency in power output and overall durability than regular gasoline. They work on many different types of diesel engines, including buses, heavy trucks, trains, cranes, bulldozers, road graders, farm tractors, and some even work on automobiles and boats. They might also work on diesel powered electric generators and a whole slew of other diesel powered equipment.
The majority of the work that they do is preventative. Regular maintenance is done to ensure that the engines run at peak performance. It is much easier to maintain an engine than it is to repair it, so diesel mechanics use a checklist to systematically check all components of a diesel powered vehicle, and then follow up with whatever maintenance is necessary.
In smaller mechanic shops, it is common for the diesel technicians to work in all areas of the vehicle. They know about all aspects of the vehicle. However, in larger shops, it is necessary for a diesel mechanic to specialize in one area. Check the umsl.edu information to find out more about what diesel mechanics do.
A well trained diesel mechanic can find employment working in smaller automobile shops working with clients who have diesel powered vehicles. He can also find employment in construction, manufacturing, even in the truck transportation industry. There are many areas where a mechanic is needed, and finding work isn’t too difficult. In 2008, over 263,000 people held jobs as diesel mechanics.
Growth is projected rather slowly in comparison to other fields. A mechanic with a good formal education will have no problem finding work, whereas someone who has no formal training will find the competition to be stiff. As more and more freight is shipped, more and more diesel powered engines will be needed, as well as mechanics for them. Consider a career in this ever evolving and exciting industry!