Generally, over half the investment of a mining, construction, highway transportation or logging business is in its 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 semi-trucks to bulldozers. As most equipment is powered by diesel engines, students will disassemble, measure, and reassemble engines to factory specifications. The technology changes in the past few years have led to the use of laptop and dedicated scan tools for diagnosis of electronically controlled engines and systems. Because of the complexity of this equipment, students should have good mechanical aptitude, strong reading and mathematics skills, should possess a good work ethic, and have the desire to succeed.
The nature of the training requires that students sometimes work outdoors. Warm clothing, rain gear, and proper safety boots are required. Construction equipment such as dump trucks, road graders, front-end loaders, backhoes, bulldozers, and a large transport truck are utilized by students developing mechanical skills.
Students may download reference for the Heavy Diesel text book Resource page (this page only accessible from AVTEC student network)
Clock Hours
1080
Start Date
January
August
Training Times
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Tuition and Fees Charges
For specific tuition and fee requirements for this training program, click here.
Refund Policy
AVTEC has a fair and equitable refund policy. For details about the Refund and Repayment Policy, click here
Admission Policy and Process
Find out the requirements and application process for admission to AVTEC and this program, here.
Academic Requirements
AVTEC requires completion of the TABE Academy, an online course using skill based lessons, to determine individual readiness in math and reading as applied to the greatest success in training. More information can be found here.
Information Technology
Demonstrate understanding using the following electronic equipment and functions:
- Laptop Computers
- Electronic Tablets (I-Pads are used in the program)
- Understand opening, reading, sending and replying to e-mail.
- Have a valid e-mail address.
- Have a basic understanding of computer graphic interfaces
- Operate diagnostic equipment, scan tools and manufacturer software.
Employment Requirements
- Clean driving record, with the ability to earn a valid Alaska driver’s license.
- Able to begin the process to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Demonstrate the ability to show up on time, rested and dressed for the work day.
- Safety conscience, situationally aware of surroundings. Understands and willingly enforces industry safety standards.
- May need to be able to apply and receive a TWIC card.
Program Specific Requirements
- Students will be exposed to and should be comfortable with constant physical activity. Will need to demonstrate the ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry, push, pull, twist, turn, bend squat, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach.
- The following are minimum level of physical requirements expected to be performed.
- Lift 75 pounds
- Carry 50 pounds
- Push 100 pounds
- Pull 50 pounds
- Vision is critical. Proper prescription safety glasses are recommended for student’s with prescription lenses.
- Student should supply properly fitting work clothes, steel toe or reinforced toe work boots. Student’s should be prepared and dressed appropriately for working in incremental winter weather.
Instructors
William
Pike
Office Phone
(907) 224-6130
A.S. Thomas Edison State
AVTEC Welding graduate
Jared
Larow
Office Phone
(907) 224- 6123
USCG Senior Chief Machinery Technician (retired)
Fast Response Cutter Motor Turbine Unit (MTU) Advanced Mechanical
Fast Response Cutter Motor Turbine Unit (MTU) Basic
Caterpillar 3400 series
Honda BF225 basic and advanced
USCG Gas Free Engineer
USCG Hazardous Waste Coordinator
USCG Chief Petty Officer Academy
USCG Boat Forces Command Cadre
Scott
Cummins
Office Phone
(907) 224-6131
AA General Studies
Professional Degree in Automotive Technology
Advanced Leader Certificate
Mechanic Badge for Track and Wheeled vehicles
Achievement
Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies
Courses
Employability Skills
Clock Hours
23
Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests, complete applied math class and computer skills practice, participate in resume writing and job search training, and participate in an interview and communications training.
General Shop Operations
Clock Hours
36
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. Workplace Safety.
Hydraulic Systems
Clock Hours
96
Identify hydraulic components, understand basic pumps, explain hydraulic principles, demonstrate industrial applications, and troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
Brakes
Clock Hours
45
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.
Tire Repair
Clock Hours
30
State safety issues and demonstrate proficiency in the repair of tires, service, and repair a large truck and loader tire; Service light truck, truck, and heavy equipment tires.
Introduction to Commercial Transportation
Clock Hours
7
Federal regulations; record keeping, shop management, and the role of the mechanic; tools, fasteners, and general shop operations with an introduction to trucks, buses, and motor coaches.
Chassis Components
Clock Hours
91
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 including air suspension systems.
Electrical
Clock Hours
55
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, use scan tools and scopes to diagnose system operation and malfunction, includes electronic fuel systems and advance drivability diagnosis.
Transmissions
Clock Hours
52
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; and service a standard and an automatic transmission.
Engines
Clock Hours
323
Identify different diesel engines, explain the basics of diesel engine functions, demonstrate basic repair practices, disassemble engines, clean and inspect all parts, inspect and measure all parts for wear using manufacturers’ specifications, explain camshaft and valve train functions, measure 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.
Fuel Systems
Clock Hours
39
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, a basic understanding of computer-controlled injection pumps and fuel injectors.
Engine Cooling and Lubrication
Clock Hours
14
Explain Automated Precision, Inc. oil classification system, working knowledge of oil filters and filtration systems, working knowledge of oil pumps and oil supply, understand oil coolers. Correctly identify all parts of the cooling system, understand functions of a water pump and pump development, understand workings of a thermostat, inspect and test heat exchangers, and correct use of antifreeze.
Intake and Exhaust Systems
Clock Hours
14
Understand intake manifolds, air filters, and air filtration system; inspect and service air intake systems. Identify exhaust system components, diagnose leaks and repair. Understand and service Tier 4 DPF Urea systems and filters. Understand the function of and service the turbocharger and EGR systems.
Undercarriage
Clock Hours
110
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.
Education/Technical Knowledge
Clock Hours
50
Write up and research parts list; carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; read manuals and apply to work situation; apply mechanics math as required.
Engine Controls
Clock Hours
30
Covers cab and body systems, HVAC service, and diagnosis of refrigerant types and regulations.
Cab/Body Systems
Clock Hours
30
Covers cab and body systems, HVAC service, and diagnosis of refrigerant types and regulations.
Applied Math
Clock Hours
35
The applied math class will build from reviewing basic skills to specific math used in the Diesel/Heavy Equipment trade. The class focuses on helping students learn, understand and practice these necessary skills.