Florence-Darlington Technical College
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Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program at Florence-Darlington Technical College is designed to give students a balance of diesel theory and practical hands-on experience, diagnosing, servicing, repairing, and rebuilding diesel engines and heavy equipment.
In the classroom, students are taken through the fundamentals of the diesel engine system, learning diesel theory, engine design, function, and principles of operation, as they develop strong thinking and reasoning skills by participating in class discussions, practicing mathematical computation, and completing written assignments.
In the training facility, students learn, hands-on, about the features and functions of the diesel engine and its integrated system components, including electrical systems, electronic systems, electronic fuel systems, hydraulic systems, machine hydraulic systems, drive trains, air brake systems, transmissions, torque converters, suspension and steering systems, undercarriages, and diesel air conditioning systems.
Each student will acquire hands-on training in heavy equipment and diesel engine tune-up, by disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and heavy equipment, using computerized diagnostic machines, precision gauges, wiring schematics, service manuals, hand tools, and power tools.
Students also learn about the value of teamwork and effective time management, as they work both independently, and in groups, to complete each and every task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and timely manner. Shop safety, professionalism, a positive workplace attitude, and effective customer service skills are also discussed and practiced in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program at Florence-Darlington Technical College.
The Diesel Technology – Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Associate Degree
The Diesel Technology – Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program contains the following career-relevant classes:
- Intro to Diesel Engines
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Fundamentals of Transmissions & Torque Converters
- Electrical Systems I
- Diesel Air Conditioning
- Hydraulic Systems
- Cooperative Work Experience I
- Cooperative Work Experience II
- Cooperative Work Experience III
- Cooperative Work Experience IV
- Introduction to Caterpillar
- Machine Hydraulic Systems
- Undercarriage/Final Drive
- Caterpillar Engine Performance
- Diagnostic Testing
- Caterpillar Machine Specific Systems
- Electrical Systems II
- Welding
Students must also take Economic Concepts, Technical Communications, Advanced Technical Communications, Algebra and Geometry and Trigonometry I, and one Humanities/Fine Arts Elective in order to meet the 69 credit hour requirements of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program. To be eligible to graduate, each student is required to complete every class and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Applied Science Certificate
The curriculum of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment program consists of the following career-specific classes:
- Diesel Engines I
- Diesel Equipment Service And Diagnosis
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Drive Trains
- Electrical Systems I
- Diesel Engines II
- Electronic Fuel Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Air Brakes Systems
- Hydraulic Systems
Please note that, although students do not need a high school diploma or GED to enroll into this program, if theydo not have a high school diploma or GED, they must score a 61 or better on the reading portion of the COMPASS test. In order to graduate, students are required to finish each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Occupational Outlook
As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of South Carolina was $39,870 yearly and $19.17 hourly, just 12% lower than the national average.
Students who successfully complete the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program at Florence-Darlington Technical College will qualify for entry-level positions in the diesel and heavy equipment technology field. Graduates can expect to secure employment with bus lines, commercial trucking fleets, heavy construction companies, train yards, shipyards, electric power plants, and independent repair shops.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree and Applied Science Certificate
Florence-Darlington Technical College offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology with a Caterpillar Diesel Service Technician concentration. Florence-Darlington Technical College also offers a two-year Diesel and Heavy Equipment Applied Science Certificate. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.