Heavy Equipment and Transport Tech.

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

This is what I am seriously thinking about getting a Associate degree in. It covers all kinds of maintanence and stuff on medium and heavy duty diesels. Even though it may not be specifically about our Cummins, it will probably help alot as far as diesel engines go, will it not? I shouldn't have much trouble getting a good paying job either, we have quite a few of trucking companies and hauling contractors around here. and I could get a job with the state, good benefits. It will only take me 45 min to get to class so I will be able to be at home and to drive my truck. My other two choices would be Building Contractor Tech? and Industrial Maintenance and install tech. What do ya'll think.





Steve

 

[Bill Lins]

Your call

It depends in what interests you the most- If you like it, you'll be successful at it. Good luck.

 

[KKaiser]

What's a building contractor tech?



KK

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

I'm not sure if that was the exact wording but I think it is like a contractor or architect, it has carpentry I & II and some stuff like that. I 'll check it exactly later.





Steve

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

What ever you do it is all good. I went to vocational school for machine trades (machinist) and then I went in the Navy but they didn't want to give me a machinist job so I ended up being a Gas Turbine Electrical Technician working with controls and such. Now I work in power plant and still use my machinist knowledge. Infact last night I had a cast housing from a skidder that I built up with nickle rod and re-machined so the bearing races wouldn't spin inside of it. Through on the job training I've picked up quite a bit of welding experience and have worked with 115 kv electrical gear. As far as being a blue collar worker it is best to know as many things as you can, that makes you more valuable then the next guy when times are lean. I worked building trades in high school and really loved it, during the summer it is awesome to work outside all day but during foul weather it's no good. Now my thought on your choices - Building contractor: the housing market goes with the economy, if times are bad you'll be scraping by. Equipment mechanic: Trucks will be delivering goods it seems like more stable work to me. Whatever you do pay attention and learn everything you can from the guys that know it. Then when you're done with school and you get a job listen to the guys that have been around for a while they can teach you alot. My 2 cents



Tim

 

[SOOT]

I have an Associates Degree in Diesel Technology with a minor in business and I do enjoy working on the big stuff, I have worked on the small stuff for a while and did'nt like it. One things for sure there will always be diesel powered vehicles and equipment on and off the road.



Like everyone else said do what you enjoy doing and you will be set for life.

 

[QRTRHRS]

If you happen to be a machinist and know PLC's and maybe some three phase, you can find jobs with no problem.

 

[illflem]

I'm with MMclain. Working on the small stuff, like our Rams, where the engine has been shoehorned into a tight space and you end up all cut up after working on one gets old fast.

A big diesel engine out in the open where you can see the entire thing is a joy to work on. Plenty of work to be found.

 

[csevers]

Semi's soon to be like cars

More and more semi's are getting more like cars with more complex hvac systems more wires and less mechanicals. Hoods are getting shorter and and engine bays are getting much tighter specialy in weight sensitive trucks. Volvo has the most car like interior out there in my opinion with all plastic sheet all over. IHC has what I call a cabover conventional truck, it has a hood but still has half the engine under the cab. Not many people want to get dirty anymore so some time mechanics will become more valued if you know what you are doing. It does take some the fun out of workin on my truck after working on semi's at work, fixin farm equiptment at home, I get sick of fixin stuff after a while. Good Luck with what ever you chose.



Craig

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks guys,





yeah, being a diesel mechanic is definitely my first choice, I'm sure I would love it.







Steve