Mechanical know-how, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to diagnose engine problems are some of the important qualities held by small engine mechanics. These workers inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment— usually specializing in one type, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment. The repairs they work on can range greatly in complexity— from replacing a single part to rebuilding an engine. They work on all types of problems— fuel system, mechanical, and electrical. Small engine mechanics use both computerized and pneumatic equipment, and also a variety of hand tools— which they usually own themselves. Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops— from marina docks to the back of a hardware store. When breakdowns happen, they may make onsite repair calls in all kinds of weather. Although most work full time, spring and summer are the busiest work seasons for these mechanics, and many work overtime to keep up with demand. Winter work hours may be shorter. Employers include motorcycle, boat, and other motor vehicle dealers, lawn and garden equipment stores, and household goods repair and maintenance services. Small engine mechanics usually have a high school diploma or certificate and develop their skills through on-the-job training. It takes mechanics anywhere from several months to several years to become fully proficient. Employers increasingly prefer to hire mechanics with technical training.
What they do:
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
On the job, you would:
Mount, balance, change, or check condition or pressure of tires.
Replace defective parts, using hand tools, arbor presses, flexible power presses, or power tools.
Dismantle engines and repair or replace defective parts, such as magnetos, carburetors, or generators.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
figuring out how to use new ideas or things
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
put together small parts with your fingers
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hearing and Speech
tell the difference between sounds
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Persistence
Initiative
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Data base user interface and query software
AbbottSoft QuickFix
TRACKUM Repair Manager
Point of sale POS software
LightSpeed Cloud
Santa Maria Software Counterman Pro
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
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