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If you’re interested in a diesel technician career, you may be wondering what type of technical education program would best prepare you for a career.1
On one hand, an automotive program combined with a Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training program (MSAT) such as Ford or GM can help set you up for a career as a technician in a dealership, where you could specialize in diesel vehicles. On the other hand, you can attend a diesel technician program and focus on heavy equipment.
When considering a career in the diesel industry, it’s important to understand the different types of diesel technicians and the specific kinds of equipment they work on. Keep reading to learn all about the differences between light-duty and heavy-duty diesel technicians and what type of career path may be right for you.
Light-Duty vs. Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines
Before moving further down the path toward a decision about which type of technician career to pursue, it may help to define some terms. Definitions of light-duty vs. heavy-duty diesel may vary slightly, but the following explanations are a good starting point to help you decide which program aligns with your goals.
Light-Duty Engines
A light-duty diesel engine generally powers a passenger vehicle with a diesel drivetrain. This could include anything from a small fuel-efficient sedan to a full-size pickup truck with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,000 pounds.
Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines
A heavy-duty diesel engine typically powers a commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more. Heavy-duty vehicles also include industrial equipment powered by diesel engines, such as construction or agricultural equipment.
Light-Duty vs. Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanics
Differences between light-duty and heavy-duty diesel mechanics include responsibilities, the type of equipment serviced and the work environment.
Light-Duty Mechanic Job Description
- Consult with customers to create and fulfill work orders
- Use technical charts and manuals to plan tasks
- Thoroughly inspect vehicles’ systems and components, such as brakes, transmissions, engines and more
- Read diagnostic test results
- Repair and replace components, parts and electrical equipment as needed
- Conduct routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations and more
Heavy-Duty Mechanic Job Description
- Read equipment operating manuals, blueprints and drawings
- Perform maintenance like cleaning and lubricating parts
- Use computerized tools to diagnose and test for malfunctions
- Repair or replace faulty or damaged mechanical components like bearings, gears and pistons
- Overhaul and test major components, including engines and electrical and hydraulic systems
- Visit worksites to repair large equipment, such as bulldozers or cranes
- Keep an organized record of work performed
Type of Equipment Serviced
As previously mentioned, light-duty mechanics service diesel equipment with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Heavy-duty technicians work on equipment with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more.
Practically speaking, light-duty diesel mechanics work on vehicles you’d see driving on the road, such as diesel pickups like Ford F-Series or Dodge Ram trucks, while heavy-duty mechanics service big rigs, buses and even industrial power generation equipment.
Work Environment
Like automotive technicians, light-duty diesel mechanics typically work at dealerships, repair shops or parts stores. Heavy-duty diesel mechanics can pursue opportunities in industries like power generation, agriculture, construction and more.
Choosing the Diesel Technician Career Path That Is Right for You
Choosing the right educational path is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. Asking yourself the following questions may help with your decision.
What Type of Repair Work Do You Enjoy?
While some technicians desire to work bumper to bumper on light-duty diesel vehicles, others prefer working on over-the-road trucks or heavy equipment. The daily tasks are different, and the education is different as well. Do you have a preference? What setting do you see yourself being most comfortable in and most satisfied with?
Power-generation engines and heavy-duty industrial equipment may have the same engine internals as diesel-powered passenger vehicles, but the daily tasks for the technicians that service these items vary greatly. Take the time to investigate your preferences and goals before enrolling in a training program.
What Is the Demand Like for Technicians in Your Area?
Depending on where you live, the demand for diesel technicians may lean more toward light-duty rather than heavy-duty work.
For example, urban areas may have fewer drivers with diesel-powered pickup trucks, but they may be closer to industrial opportunities for big rig and heavy equipment technicians such as truck stops or shipping ports. On the other hand, suburban and rural areas can have a higher ratio of light-duty diesel trucks on the road but may not have the same opportunities for heavy equipment technicians.
Not everyone is interested in or able to explore relocation for their careers. Family or other commitments may restrict the flexibility for moving. If that is the case for you, consider your immediate area and research the demand for technicians.
Demand for diesel technicians can be high due to the various settings in which a technician may be needed. Heavy-duty diesel technicians may be needed to work on heavy equipment, big rigs, marine applications, power generation and more.
Maintaining fleet vehicles such as buses or tractor trailers is one avenue to consider. Another avenue is a field service technician who travels to customer locations to diagnose and repair heavy equipment for farming or agricultural needs.
What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
As with any career, aspiring automotive and diesel technicians must consider their long-term goals and whether or not they align with a specific industry.
Is your goal to work your way up to lead technician, or maybe become a service manager?77 Perhaps you see yourself owning a small business repair shop after gaining experience in the field.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) grads are prepared to pursue positions as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their career with experience and hard work. Some other advanced career options that experienced technicians often pursue include:
- Mobile diesel mechanic
- Master technician
- Fleet manager
- Shop owner
Depending on your long-term career goals, try to select a training program that can position you to achieve them. For example, a diesel training program is more specialized and can prepare graduates for a career servicing heavy-duty equipment, while an automotive program with a diesel-specialized training program is a bit broader and can prepare a technician to work on light-duty equipment.
One route isn’t better than the other; they both have advantages that are specific to certain career paths. It’s all about choosing a program that aligns with the career path you envision for yourself!
FAQs
What Are the Differences in Maintenance Between Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines?
Manufacturers typically provide drivers with two types of maintenance schedules: normal and severe. Most light-duty trucks serve as modes of transportation and are safe to follow the normal maintenance schedule. Heavy-duty diesel trucks may require more frequent care because they often haul or tow heavy loads and can trek through steep, rugged roadways. In such cases, they should follow the severe maintenance schedule.
Is It More Difficult to Become a Light- Or Heavy-Duty Mechanic?
Both career paths require hard work and dedication. Once you’ve decided which route to pursue, one of UTI’s mechanic programs can provide you with the training you need to get started.
Do You Need to Be Physically Strong to Be a Heavy-Duty Mechanic?
Heavy-duty mechanics work with large truck components and parts that are heavy to lift and difficult to maneuver. For this reason, most heavy-duty mechanics are physically fit.
Explore an Education From UTI
Do you dream of pursuing a career in the automotive or diesel industry? Universal Technical Institute offers a variety of core and specialized training programs that can prepare you for a career as a light or heavy diesel mechanic. Visit our trade school programs page to explore all we offer at UTI, and request more information today to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives!
UTI Campuses That Offer Diesel Mechanic Training
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.