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AVTEC...Great careers for Alaska's future!Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technologies
Alaska's Institute of Technology

Diesel Heavy StudentsWelcome to the Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies program. Normally, half the investment of a mining, construction, or logging business is in equipment. Good preventive maintenance is a priority and contributes to the success of the business.

The hands-on approach to AVTEC's Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies program helps students learn how to service, maintain, and repair equipment ranging from dump trucks to bulldozers. As most equipment is powered by diesel engines, students will disassemble, measure, and reassemble engines to factory specifications. Because of the complexity of this equipment, students should have good mechanical aptitude, and strong reading and mathematics skills, and should also possess a desire to succeed.

Approximately 60% of the course is shop work and 40% is classroom instruction. Instruction is individualized so that students may progress at their own rate. Good reading and math skills are essential.

The nature of the training requires that students work outdoors. Warm clothing, rain gear, and proper boots are required.

Earn University of Alaska Credit While Attending AVTEC

Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology graduates may earn up to 26 University of Alaska college credits towards the requirements of an Associate of Applied Science Diesel Technology Degree.

Program Content

To achieve a Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies certificate, students must complete the following requirements. For a detailed description of each requirement, click on the link below.

Course Hours
gray arrow wide Related Studies 75
gray arrow wide General 55
gray arrow wide Brakes 97
gray arrow wide Tire Repair 20
gray arrow wide Chassis Components 115
gray arrow wide Electrical 60
gray arrow wide Transmissions 65
gray arrow wide Hydraulic Systems 50
gray arrow wide Engines 465
gray arrow wide Fuel Systems 45
gray arrow wide Engine Lubrication 20
gray arrow wide Cooling Systems 20
gray arrow wide Intake Systems 10
gray arrow wide Undercarriage 90
gray arrow wide Governors 30
gray arrow wide Arc and Gas Welding 30
gray arrow wide Education/Technical Knowledge 44

Occupational Levels

Occupational levels of Technician Level 3, Technician Level 2, or Technician Level 1 will be assigned upon successful completion of the training program based on the student’s proficiency of the program’s competencies.

Program Content

Related Studies
Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests, obtain First Aid & CPR card, complete applied math class and computer skills practice, participate in resume writing and job search training, participate in interview and communications training.
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General
Identify, use, and maintain basic shop tools, demonstrate the proper use of hand tools and basic power tools, define and apply mechanic terminology, identify common fasteners, read tap and thread chart and perform basic tapping and threading, identify and use precision measuring tools.
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Brakes
Describe the design and operation of air and hydraulic brake systems, describe air and hydraulic supply system and service, truck rear axle brake application system and service, trailer brake application and service, tractor steering axle brake application system and service; service hydraulic and air brakes on truck or loader.
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Tire Repair
State safety issues and demonstrate proficiency in the repair of tires, service and repair a large truck and loader tire.
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Chassis Components
Service car, truck, and heavy equipment tires, remove and replace vehicle clutch, repack and adjust wheel bearings, disassemble and reassemble 3- and 4-speed transmissions, disassemble, reassemble and adjust differential assembly, diagnose and repair chassis and suspension components.
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Electrical
Service batteries, troubleshoot and repair vehicle wiring and lighting systems, service ignition systems, including tune-up, timing and repair, explain the basic theory of ignition system operations, service starters; including bench testing rebuilt units, explain theory of starting system operations and generator/regulator system operations, service alternators; including bench testing rebuilt units, explain theory of alternator system operation.
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Transmissions
Describe the construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of the standard transmission, describe service procedures for standard transmissions, Describe the construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of the automatic transmission, service a standard and an automatic transmission.
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Hydraulic Systems
Identify hydraulic components, understand basic pumps, explain hydraulic principles, demonstrate industrial applications and hydraulic troubleshooting.
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Engines
Identify different diesel engines, explain the basics of diesel engine functions, demonstrate basic repair practices, disassemble engines, clean and inspect all part, inspect and measure all parts for wear using manufacturers’ specifications, grind valves and seats, explain camshaft functions, measure, knurl or replace valve guides, replace engine bearings and measure clearance, install cylinder liners, fit pistons to connecting rods, correctly install piston rings, assemble engine and all associated parts, test run and adjust engine to specifications, troubleshoot various engine problems.
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Fuel Systems
Inspect fuel systems, identify fuel system components, understand fuel system flow, demonstrate fuel filter replacement, demonstrate fuel system bleeding procedure, troubleshoot fuel system problems, install and time fuel injection pumps, remove and install fuel injectors, clean and adjust fuel injectors, basic understanding of computer controlled injection pumps and fuel injectors.
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Engine Lubrication
Explain A.P.I. Oil classification system, working knowledge of oil filters and filtration systems, working knowledge of oil pumps and oil supply, understand oil coolers.
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Cooling Systems
Correctly identify all parts of cooling system, understand functions of a water pump and pump development, understand workings of a thermostat, inspect and test heat exchangers, correct use of antifreeze.
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Intake Systems
Understand intake manifolds, air filters and air filtration system, inspect and service air intake systems.
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Undercarriage
Remove and replace track on crawler tractor, disassemble and reassemble final drive on crawler tractor, remove, repair and install swing frames on a crawler tractor, replace cutting edges on blade, use torch, porta-power, and/or hydraulic press to straighten parts on equipment, jack up and install blocking or jack stands on heavy equipment.
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Governors
Identify, test, and properly maintain various governors.
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Arc and Gas Welding
Perform basic solder, braze, oxy-acetylene cutting and welding techniques.
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Education/Technical Knowledge
Write up parts list, carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form, read manuals and apply to work situation, apply mechanics math as required.
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Mission

To teach students the skills and competencies of servicing, maintaining, and repairing construction machinery and diesel engines.

Length of Course: 1,281 clock hours, 197 training days
Enrollment: August and January
Training Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Certificate Level: Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies

Prerequisites: Good math and reading skills are important.

TABE tests scores for this program must be:
 Reading - 552
 Combined Math - 552

For specific information on entry guidelines in reading and mathematics for this program, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 478-5389.

Construction equipment such as dump trucks, road graders, front-end loaders, back hoes, bulldozers, and a large transport truck are utilized by students developing mechanical skills.

Physical requirements of the occupation are the ability to lift 100 lbs., carry 50 lbs., stoop, kneel, crawl, walk, and stand continuously. The work also requires good finger dexterity. Students will need to provide their own tools.

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