Heavy Equipment Technology
Program Overview
Coursework prepares students to succeed as well-trained, mechanically minded, hard-working technicians with heavy equipment dealers and contractors. Instruction involves classroom theory, live shop demonstrations, and repair of heavy equipment currently used in industry. Making repairs on actual equipment is vital to skill development.
Career Opportunities
Heavy equipment dealers and earth-moving contractors are top employers. Jobs are also available with mining and logging companies. Most technicians work in indoor shops, but experienced field service technicians travel to job sites to perform repairs.
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Technician
- Construction Equipment Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Dealer Service Technician
Program Learning Goals
Goal 1: Graduates will possess the skills necessary to correctly and safely operate equipment used in the heavy equipment industry.
Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:
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- Practice the use of proper safety equipment.
- Visualize situations to predict any concerns before attempting them.
- Perform tasks following OSHA safety guidelines
Goal 2: Graduates will understand the importance of professional behavior within the Heavy Equipment Industry.
Student Learning Outcomes – Graduates will:
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- Communicate with internal and external stakeholder in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Demonstrate professional skills as they relate to timeliness, accountability, and reliability.
Goal 3: Graduates will possess the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level heavy equipment technician position.
Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:
- Diagnose a diesel engine and repair a variety of different types of engines.
- Perform visual emissions inspections
- Troubleshoot hydraulic systems, mechanical systems, and electronics
- Maintain and repair drive train, steering, and suspension systems
Course Outline
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Major Courses (40 Credits) |
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| VMR 15 | Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Technology | 1 |
| VMR 153 | Brake Systems | 2 |
| VMR 154 | Brake Systems Lab | 1 |
| VMR 155 | Steering and Suspension Systems | 2 |
| VMR 156 | Steering and Suspension Systems Lab | 1 |
VMR 159  |
Electrical & Electronic Systems | 2 |
| VMR 160 |
Electrical & Electronic Systems Lab | 1 |
| VMR 162 | Welding and Flame Cutting for Vehicles Lab | 2 |
| VMR 251 | HVAC Vehicle Systems | 2 |
| VMR 252 | HVAC Vehicle Systems Lab | 1 |
| VMR 253 | Certifications for Automotive and Diesel Technicians | 1 |
DTT 177  |
Diesel Fuel Injection Systems | 2 |
| DTT 178 |
Diesel Fuel Injection Systems Lab | 1 |
| DTT 179 | Diesel Engine Performance and Tune-up Procedures | 2 |
| DTT 180 | Diesel Engine Performance and Tune-up Procedures Lab | 2 |
| DTT 285 |
Diesel Engine Overhaul | 2 |
| DTT 286 |
Diesel Engine Overhaul Lab | 2 |
| IET 101 | Introduction to Vehicle Circuits and Electronics | 2 |
| HET 253 | Drive Components & Systems | 1 |
| HET 254 | Drive Components & Systems Lab | 2 |
| HET 255 | Hydraulic Systems | 2 |
| HET 256 | Hydraulic Systems Lab | 3 |
| HET 257 | Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repair | 1 |
| HET 258 | Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repair Lab | 2 |
| INT 299 | Internship | 4 |
| HET 283 |
Applied Heavy Equipment Principles and Applications | 1 |
| HET 284 |
Applied Heavy Equipment Principles and Applications Lab | 3 |
| General Education (20 Credits) | ||
| ART Elective | Art Elective | 3 |
| BUS 101 or CSM 105 | Introduction to Business or Customer Service & Our World | 3 |
| CPT 101 | Microcomputer I | 3 |
| ENG 105 | Industry Communication | 3 |
| BTT 129 | Construction Safety & Forklift | 1 |
| MAT 105 | Math for the Transportation Division | 3 |
| SCI Elective | Science Elective | 3 |
| SSS 101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| Minimum Credits to Graduate | 67 | |
| This course prepares students with skills labeled by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as those used in traditional or evolving green occupation. | ||
For course descriptions, please visit the Course Catalog.