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Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Technician

Application Code: 
0452
Degree Received: 
Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
Academic Department: 
Automotive Trades
Description: 

This specialization includes 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training. Students receive their basics in the first year on all types of vehicles. The senior year concentrates on trucks, bulldozers, earthmovers, farm tractors and other diesel-powered equipment. Our heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program is the only program in New York and New England that is approved by the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS). The heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program is one of only nine national ADS TechSmart training programs.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

Recommended: math A (algebra)

Technical Standards:

Applicants in the heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program must meet the following physical requirements.

  1. Must be able to perform safely in the shop.
  2. Must be able to lift 50 pounds up to eye level.
  3. Must be able to communicate orally with a person 6-10 feet away.
  4. Must be able to visually decipher an oscilloscope monitor and digital/analog meter, and scan tool displays.
  5. Must have a valid motor vehicle license and be able to drive a standard transmission vehicle.
  6. Must be able to diagnose mechanical falures that are distinguished audibly.
  7. Must be able to understand information found in service repair manuals and use diagnostic flow charts.
  8. Must meet qualifications for a NYS driver’s license.
Accreditation/Certification: 

Students may take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams in eight areas and the ADS TechCert test. Students are eligible for New York State inspection certification upon successful completion of their freshman year. In their senior year, students may take the Association of Diesel Specialist Automotive Technician Training Program (ATTP) in HABS - Heavy Advanced Brake Systems. They may take the test for certification in Basic Engine Theory through the Association of Diesel Specialists.

Features & Facilities: 
  • Offers instruction in maintenance, inspection, and repair of heavy equipment, trucks, and related vehicles
  • Live work in a well-equipped shop, allowing hands-on repair and maintenance of late model units
  • NATEF master certified
  • ADS (Association of Diesel Specialists) TechSmart Training Center; only school in the Northeast that is a TechSmart school
  • One of only a few schools that teach
    injection pumps
Articulation Agreements: 

Two-year BOCES graduates who have an 80 percent class average, have a letter of recommendation from their vocational instructor, and who present a portfolio may be allowed to advance beyond minimum requirements and improve the grade for the college courses, pursue individual interests within a course, or sample course work in a separate automotive program to broaden their experience.

Graduation Requirements: 

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a "C" average.

Career Opportunities: 
  • Agricultural Equipment Mechanic
  • Service Manager
  • Diesel Engine Specialist
  • Service Salesperson
  • Diesel Fuel System Specialist
  • Shop Foreman
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic
  • Truck Fleet Mechanic
  • Industrial Equipment Mechanic
  • Wheel Alignment Specialist
  • Marine Engine Service Technician
Typical Semester Layout: 

The students receive 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training of which 1,400 hours are lab work. There are one-and-one-half hours of lecture with four-and-one-half hours of lab work each day, for five days, 15 weeks a semester. The approximate class size is 20 freshmen and 20 seniors.

First Semester credits
AUTO 1224 Welding 4
AUTO 1245 Basic Truck Electronics & Component Overhaul 5
AUTO 1219 Truck Brakes, Steering & Suspension Systems 9
      18
Second Semester credits
AUTO 1239 Inspection, Maintenance, Air Conditioning, Cooling & Heating 9
AUTO 2169 Truck Gasoline Engine Tune-Up, Electrical Engine Controls & Electrical Diagnosis 9
      18
Third Semester credits
AUTO 3609 Heavy Duty Drive Train 9
AUTO 3649 Diesel Engine Service 9
      18
Fourth Semester credits
AUTO 3623 Air Brake Service 3
AUTO 4363 Heavy Duty Electrical/Hydraulic Specialties 3
AUTO 4669 Diesel Fuel System Service 9
AUTO 2503
 Preventive Maintenance for Heavy Truck & Diesel 3
      18

Continuing Students: Students successfully completing the heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician program receive first priority for space if they wish a third year (senior year) in automotive service technician. They may be admitted to autobody repair with the department chair’s approval.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details200620072008
Receiving Degrees 22 25 24
Responding to Survey 19 (86%) 17 (68%) 19 (79%)
Employed 18 (95%) 15 (88%) 18 (95%)
Employed in Field 15 (83%) 15 (100%) 17 (94%)
Transfered -- 2 (12%)
 1 (5%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment 1 (5%) -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --
Alfred State College,  10 Upper College Drive,  Alfred, NY 14802   |   1-800-4-ALFRED (425-3733)