Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology Associate Degree

When heavy equipment breaks down, companies that rely on their machines suffer project delays and lose money. So, the demand is high for highly skilled people to get their broken equipment back running as quickly as possible with minimal downtime.

Get started on a rewarding career diagnosing, servicing and repairing heavy off-highway diesel equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and loaders.

Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology Careers

A career in diesel heavy equipment technology is for someone who enjoys physical work outdoors and performing a diverse range of tasks, from maintaining and repairing diesel engines to hydraulics, transmissions, electrical systems, undercarriage and more.

While some heavy equipment technicians work inside shops, performing routine service and maintenance, most aspire to do field service work, where they manage and dispatch themselves to meet with customers and fix their machines on-site (construction sites, manufacturing plants, mines, etc.).

Successful field service technicians can independently diagnose or troubleshoot problems and provide solutions. They must also be able to work under pressure and effectively communicate with customers about their downed machines to help them make decisions, such as waiting until you fix the machine or renting equipment should you determine the downtime will be long.

In-demand, High-paying Jobs

The demand for qualified Heavy Equipment Mechanics is high in the Madison College district.

In 2023, 544 jobs were posted in the Madison College District, which is projected to grow by 8.3% by 2030. Graduates from this associate degree program can expect to earn $59,607 per year within the Madison College district, slightly greater than the national average.

Associate Degree Program Goals

Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program graduates will be required to diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment used in construction, logging and mining, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders and conveyors.

Your training will also prepare you for other roles, such as parts support manager, service manager, sales representative, business owner or educational trainer.

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

You’ll receive real-world training essential for becoming a skilled diesel and heavy equipment technician. The training combines classroom work to acquire knowledge, immediately followed by practical hands-on activities in a simulated shop environment.

You’ll learn from industry professionals who guide you through a relevant curriculum that exceeds the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) standards.

Diesel Heavy Equipment Coursework

The diesel heavy equipment associate degree program is designed with input from our industry advisory board to ensure you get the skills our local heavy off-highway diesel industry needs most.

Courses emphasize work skills in safety, communication, time management and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to skills in:

• Diesel engines and fuel systems
• Hydraulic and hydrostatic systems fundamentals
• After treatment and emission systems
• Electrical and electronic systems
• Heating and A/C systems
• Power train systems
• Schematic drawings interpretation
• Effective customer communication
• Customer repair orders
• Daily work schedule organization

Flexible Course Offerings

Madison College designed the program for individuals entering the field and those already working in it. You can attend full- or part-time, and some classes are available online.

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