Heavy Equipment Technology
Location: East Campus (Oley)                  Instructor: James Mack                  CIP Code: 47.0302
The Heavy Equipment Technology Program is designed to provide students with the theory and hands-on skills relevant to repair fundamentals and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment found on construction sites. Specialized classroom and lab experiences are designed to provide instruction in systems and components of heavy equipment.
Students begin with safety, tools/fasteners and preventive maintenance basics. Students also learn to inspect, repair and replace components of the suspension, steering, brake, engine, cooling, fuel, electrical/electronic, air intake and exhaust, clutches, transmissions, air conditioning systems, hydraulics/hydrostatics as well as drive lines/rear axles/final drives, and drive motors. Welding processes and safety techniques are also taught. Students will be taught computer diagnostic skills as a tool to troubleshoot electronic problems. Students may achieve certification in air conditioning and/or electronic control for newer equipment. In their final year, students also learn the safe basic operation of trucks, tractors, skid steers, backhoes, dozers and excavators.
Graduates of this program are well prepared and find exciting careers as diesel engine specialists, heavy equipment mechanics and apprentice technicians.
Industry Certifications:
Certified Safety Inspector – Cat I*
Certified Safety Inspector – Cat III*
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-hour certification
Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Certificate
Section 609 Certificate for Refrigerant Recycling & Recovery
S/P2
*A student may take the Certfied Safety Inspector Cat I &/or Cat III test; however, PennDot holds the certificate until the student is 18 years old
CDL License (at reduced student cost; student must be 18 years old to enroll in BCTC’s CDL training program)
Uniforms
Required/Optional Items |
Required Items |
Required Footwear |
Required Safety Gear |
REQUIRED: · One Navy Heavy Equipment Short Sleeve Tee Shirt with BCTC Logo · One Pair Navy Industrial Work Pants – proper fitting and no holes · One Heavy Equipment Crewneck Sweatshirt with BCTC Logo |
N/A | Steel-toed work boots | Safety glasses with sides shields provided by BCTC |
Textbook
The link provided for this book title will take you to Amazon.com. Please note that you are NOT required to purchase the books from Amazon. You may purchase the books from any vendor or through BCTC. Please see program Instructor for more information.
Fundamentals of Mobile Heavy Equipment (CDX Learning Systems) – by Owen C. Duffy, Scott A. Heard and Gus Wright (Copyright 2019)
Hardcover
ISBN#:Â 978-1-28411-291-7
Students do NOT need to purchase workbook for this text.
Tool / Supply / Protective Equipment
Quantity Needed | Level 1, 2, or 3 | Approximate Cost | Suggested Vendor | |
Footwear Requirement: Steel-toed work boots | 1 pair | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | TBD | Any store |
Earbuds/Headphones for Computer Audio | 1 pair | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | $5.00 | Any store |

Program Entrance Recommendations:
- Reading at grade level
- Algebra I or Geometry
- Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Hand-eye coordination
- Mechanical aptitude
Career Pathways:
- Diesel Engine Specialist
- Field Service/Lube Technician
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Heavy Equipment Apprentice Technician
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic –Maintenance Repairer
- Field Service Advisor
- Instructor
- Mechanic Apprentice
- Service Manager
- Service Technician
- Stand-by Power Technician