Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Perform diagnostics on and make necessary adjustments to, or complete overhauls of, small engines used in things like lawnmowers, chain saws, and recreational sports gear.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT AND OTHER SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC CAREERS

What do a massive bulldozer engine and a little lawn mower have in common> they both require maintenance and occasionally break down. A small engine specialist is needed when a small engine, such as the one on a lawn mower, needs to be serviced. You could work for a retail hardware or garden store, a repair shop, an equipment rental firm, a wholesale distributor, or a landscaping service. One in every three small engine specialists is self-employed. 

Because they work with so many various types of engines, small engine specialists should be able to read an instruction or operations manual. Certain processes, however, are common. They inspect an engine before repairing, replacing, or adjusting any broken parts. 

If these techniques do not fix a broken engine, the mechanic becomes more like a doctor, trying to figure out what is wrong with the 'patient,' or engine. The ability to assess a situation is essential for WO. Patience is required to disassemble and reassemble a complex engine. 

Hand tools, such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers, and power equipment, such as drills and grinders, should be familiar to small engine mechanics. 

This is not a rapidly expanding field. When experienced mechanics retire or change professions, new opportunities appear. Formal training, which is provided in vocational schools or high school automotive programmes, makes finding work easier. 

Some businesses send mechanics through specialist programmes to service specific types of engines. When it comes to local repair shops, the kind of engines that come in for repairs vary depending on the season, so it's a good idea to be familiar not only with the engine on a lawnmower, but also with the workings of a snow or leaf blower.

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Characteristics

Level of responsibilities
Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Critical decision making

Activities

Getting Information Know More
Handling and Moving Objects Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Performing General Physical Activities Know More
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Computers and Electronics Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Mechanical Know More
Sales and Marketing Know More
Transportation Know More

Degrees

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Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Equipment Maintenance Know More
Equipment Selection Know More
Operation Monitoring Know More
Operation and Control Know More
Repairing Know More
Troubleshooting Know More