Job description Backhoe Mechanic near Halifax (NS)

Find out what work is like for a backhoe mechanic in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401).

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

Description

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. They are employed by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics usually work more than 40 hours per week.
More than 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Heavy-duty equipment mechanics have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
  • Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required
  • Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools
  • Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications
  • Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment
  • Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
  • May perform repair work on heavy trucks
  • May attach components and adjust new farm equipment.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Standing

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Heavy-duty equipment mechanics are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Railway transport companies
  • Heavy equipment rental and service establishments
  • Heavy equipment dealers
  • Companies that own and operate heavy equipment
  • Urban transit systems

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • Extreme temperatures
  • In an enclosed vehicle or equipment
  • Extremely bright or inadequate lighting
  • Sound and noise

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72401), and a list of similar occupations:

  • agricultural equipment technician
  • construction equipment mechanic
  • diesel mechanic - heavy equipment
  • farm equipment mechanic
  • heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprentice
  • heavy-duty equipment technician
  • heavy equipment mechanic
  • heavy mobile logging equipment mechanic
  • heavy mobile mining equipment mechanic
  • locomotive mechanic
  • tractor mechanic

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Heavy-duty equipment mechanics in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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