Is it worth is to become a diesel mechanic still?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Jbrow327, Apr 11, 2021.

  1. Jbrow327

    Jbrow327 Light Load Member

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    Couldn't I just specialize in electronics since that's much less laborious?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Gotta earn that first. Have fun doing diffs, clutches and brakes your first few years.
     
  4. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    If you are worried so much about the labor maybe you'd be better off in IT or something
     
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  5. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Maybe small engine repair, lawnmowers and such
     
  6. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    If you’re looking for easy no point checking into diesel mechanic work. Also you don’t just “specialize” in electronics on trucks. It has to be a gift you have to do it or it will never work. Personally it seems to me you’re about whipped before you start already wanting it easy and worried about buying tools. I think you better keep looking.
     
  7. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    My dad was a diesel mechanic for decades. That's why I was a driver.
     
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  8. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Go for Broke. Become a Marine Mechanic.
     
  9. Inderjit

    Inderjit Medium Load Member

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    In 1980 I hired on as a mechanic at a truck and equipment dealership. After a few
    months there the service manager asked me if I would be interested in being trained
    as an engine tech. I found it interesting and challenging but also very physical.
    When electronic engines first came out I took an electronics course in the evenings,
    which was one of the best things I ever did.

    I found engine work got very repetitious after a few years Always the same engines coming in with the same problems. After 10 years of mostly engine work I asked the service manager to let me work on a bigger variety of repairs and not just engines.
    There were 3 other engine techs in the shop at the time. The service manager was
    okay with that and I still did a fair bit of engine work but I also worked on everything
    else. I liked that arrangement a lot better.

    After 24 years at the dealership a management change made for a toxic workplace
    so I left and went to work for an electric utility maintaining a fleet of bucket trucks derricks and some equipment. It was a welcome change.

    I started my career as a mechanic when I was 15 at a motorcycle snowmobile dealership.
    I have worked on marine automotive heavy equipment and trucks. I prefer trucks and
    equipment by far. After 46 years as a mechanic my advice would be to find someone
    who will hire you as an apprentice, you will probably have to take the pre-apprentice
    course at a college and once you are a certified mechanic if there is a part of the trade
    you like work on becoming a specialist in that part of the trade.
     
  10. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    I know a company out here in the middle of nowhere South Dakota advertising 90k a year for a mechanic. Trucks aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
     
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