Heavy Equipment: Truck & Diesel Technician

AOS Degree – Code #0452

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 & 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 & diesel technician program is one of only nine national ADS TechSmart training programs.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Demonstrate a focused, coherent, organized written report.
• Perform mathematic calculations required for entry-level automotive.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply written instructions and specifications relevant to their work environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck drive trains.
• Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck electrical and electronic systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck gas engines.
• Demonstrate the ability to diagnose and repair heavy equipment/truck brakes, steering, and suspension systems.

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State heavy equipment: truck and diesel technician graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program.

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Agricultural Equipment Mechanic
• Service Manager
• Diesel Engine Specialist
• Diesel Fuel System Specialist
• Shop Foreman
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic
• Truck Fleet Mechanic
• Industrial Equipment Mechanic
• Marine Engine Service Technician

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and transfer rate of 100 percent – 88 percent are employed; 12 percent transferred to continue their education.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Autobody Repair

Automotive Service Technician

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Welding Technology

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended: Algebra

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Applicants for all programs in the Automotive Trades Department must meet the following physical requirements:

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

CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE

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 test for certification in Basic Engine Theory through the Association of Diesel Specialists.