The Heavy Equipment Mechanic Lead analyzes malfunctions and repairs, rebuilds and maintains power equipment, such as cranes, fuel trucks, fire trucks, foam trucks, wreckers, power shovels, scrapers, paving machines, stakebody trucks, motor graders, trench-digging machines, conveyors, bulldozers, dredges, pumps, compressors and pneumatic tools. This worker operates and inspects machines or equipment to diagnose defects, dismantles and reassembles equipment, using hoists and hand tools, examines parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges, replaces defective engines and subassemblies, such as transmissions, and tests overhauled equipment to insure operating efficiency. The mechanic welds broken parts and structural members, direct other HEM and MVM workers engaged in cleaning parts and assisting with assembly and disassembly of equipment, and repair, adjust and maintain ground support aviation equipment, such as ambulances and fire trucks.
Repairs, rebuilds, or overhauls major assemblies of internal combustion automobiles, buses, trucks or tractors. Work involves most of the following: Diagnosing the source of trouble and determining the extent of repairs required; replacing worn or broken parts such as piston rings, bearings, or other engine parts; grinding and adjusting valves; rebuilding carburetors; overhauling transmissions; and repairing fuel injection, lighting, and ignition systems.