Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
What is a Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics?
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics are specialized technicians who focus on the repair, maintenance, and service of small engines found in a variety of equipment, including lawn mowers, chainsaws, garden tractors, and other machinery utilized in landscaping and agricultural settings. These mechanics are skilled in diagnosing issues related to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, which often require a thorough understanding of various power equipment technologies.
Their work involves disassembling engines to repair or replace defective components, such as carburetors, ignition systems, and fuel systems. They also conduct routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and blade sharpening, to ensure that equipment operates efficiently and safely.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics may work in repair shops, dealerships, rental businesses, or even on-site at customer locations. Their proficiency not only enhances the longevity and performance of the equipment but also contributes significantly to the operational efficiency of landscaping and forestry industries.
Tasks
- Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
- Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
- Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
- Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Data base user interface and query software
- Ideal Computer Systems Ideal OPE
- RepairTRAX
- Smart Equipment Repair
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Analytical or scientific software
- Land & Sea DYNO-MAX
- VersaDyne small engine test system
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Point of sale POS software
- Sale processing software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Pullers
- Sockets
- Screwdrivers
- Specialty wrenches
- Spark plug tester
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
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Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
- Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30840.0 - $60900.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.