Diesel/Heavy Equipment

Course Description:

Students learn about the operation, maintenance, and repair, of heavy equipment that is found in the trucking, construction, agricultural, and material handling industries. 

• Learning takes place in both classroom and lab settings. The classroom provides students with theory and knowledge. Lab projects give students the opportunity to apply knowledge learned with hands-on experience to the various areas of engine service, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs. 
• Students will also learn basic shop skills like welding, oxy-acetylene torch and other shop tools.
• Each student will complete at least one engine overhaul during their first year. Second year students will also learn troubleshooting and repairing of customer owned equipment or personal projects.

Course outline defines what is covered in the first and second year of this program.

Course Outline:

1st Year: Shop safety and tool use; preventive maintenance; air brake system operation and maintenance; fundamentals or engine operation, engine systems, and engine rebuilding; use of precision measuring tools; metal projects utilizing the oxy-acetylene torch, plasma cutter, and drill press; 10-hour general industry OSHA certificate. 

2nd Year:  Shop safety and tool use; lift truck operation; fundamentals of electricity; use of multi-meters to measure voltage, amperage, and electrical resistance; understanding voltage drops; understanding electrical relays operation; utilizing electrical soldering; battery construction, operation, maintenance, and testing; and wire welding.

Fundamentals of hydraulics and hydraulic systems; Arc welding; Ohm’s Law; alternator construction, operation, and testing; Charging system operation and testing; electronic control systems operation and testing; diesel engine emission controls and after-treatment system construction, operation, and testing; vehicle heating, ventilation, and air condition system construction, operation, and testing; and equipment powertrains.

Students who would benefit from this program

Students who would benefit from this program are those who enjoy working with their hands, are mechanically inclined and work well with a team.

High School Credit:

Students will earn elective credit at their high school upon completion of this course. Please see a high school counselor (based on district decision) for eligibility towards 4th-year math-related credit, VPAA credit, and waived credits for third year science and second year world language.

Length of Program:

2 years