The most important possessions of mechanics are their handtools. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics typically buy their own handtools and many experienced mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in them. Employers typically furnish expensive power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment, but handtools are accumulated with experience. Experienced mechanics may advance to field service jobs, where they have a greater opportunity to tackle problems independently and earn additional pay. Mechanics who have leadership ability may become shop supervisors or service managers.
Some mechanics open their own repair shops or invest in a franchise.
Job Outlook Opportunities for heavy equipment mechanics should be good for persons who have completed formal training programs in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics. This is due more to a lack of qualified entrants into the occupation than growth in available jobs. Persons without formal training are expected to encounter growing difficulty entering this occupation. Employment of mobile heavy equipment mechanics is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Increasing numbers of mechanics will be required to support growth in the construction industry, equipment dealers, and rental and leasing companies.