Turf Equipment Technicians are responsible for lawn maintenance equipment. They diagnose, repair, and maintain large and small tractors, golf carts, traction units (power trains), small powered equipment (leaf blowers), and tow-behind equipment (utility wagons, implements).
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Inspecting, testing, diagnosing, and repairing lawn maintenance equipment
- Sharpening mower blades, repairing diesel engines, and fixing brake lines
- Safely using hand and power tools and observing all safety protocols
- Setting up and operating shop equipment including rotary blade grinders, bed knives, reels, and pressure washers
- Operating lift equipment including hoists, front end loaders, fork lifts, and ski steers
- Attaching tow-behind implements to drive units and securing and maintaining trailer hitches
- Servicing and maintaining traction units including fuel systems, fuel injection systems, diesel and gasoline engines, and electric and electronic components
- Inspecting wheels, tires, and mounting hardware
- Tuning two and four-cycle engines
- Inspecting and repairing car bodies
- Safely driving, parking, and operating heavy equipment
- Preparing equipment for winter storage
- Disposing of unwanted or excessive explosives
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent; math and English credits an asset
- While not mandatory, completion of apprenticeship including 5,000 on-the-job hours and three 8-week in-school training sessions, is recommended
What's Your Future as a Turf Equipment Technician (421C)?
- Work outdoors and inside a shop
- Exposure to noise, fumes, dirt, and sharp implements; attention to safety is paramount
- Employers include independent repair shops, golf courses, sod farms, equipment rental firms, lawn care companies, landscaping companies, and government parks services
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $22.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Turf Equipment Technician (421C)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Are you good with numbers and calculations? | ||
| Do you have a mechanical aptitude and good coordination? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you sit and stand for long periods of time? Can you work at all heights? | ||
| Are you good at problem-solving? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? | ||
| Do you have good communication skills? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Turf Equipment Technician (421C) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Automotive Service Technician
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Recreational Vehicle Technician
Recreation Vehicle (RV) Technicians service and repair recreational vehicles including fifth wheels, truck campers, trailers, and motor homes.
Small Engine Technicians service and repair small gasoline and diesel-powered equipment including garden tractors, outboard motors, chainsaws, and lawn mowers.
Automotive Service Technicians, sometimes referred to as Motor Vehicle Mechanics, inspect, diagnose, repair, and service mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems and components for cars, buses, and trucks. They also perform major repair and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. Technicians may choose to specialize in engine and fuel systems, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, or diagnostic services.
Motorcycle Technicians assemble, maintain, repair, and restore motorcycles and other multi-wheeled all-terrain vehicles that weigh less than 450 kilograms.
Heavy-Duty Equipment Technicians repair, overhaul, and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, forestry, mining, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and farming.