What You'll Do

  • Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
  • Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
  • Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
  • Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
  • Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
  • Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
  • Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
  • Sell parts and equipment.
  • Show customers how to maintain equipment.

Essential Skills

Equipment Maintenance 3.88/5
Repairing 3.88/5
Troubleshooting 3.75/5
Operations Monitoring 3.38/5
Critical Thinking 3.25/5
Equipment Selection 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Reading Comprehension 2.88/5
Speaking 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Integrity, Attention to Detail, Independence, Achievement/Effort

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Finger Dexterity 3.88/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.75/5
Manual Dexterity 3.62/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Control Precision 3.5/5
Visualization 3.38/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Ideal Computer Systems Ideal OPE Land & Sea DYNO-MAX Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software RepairTRAX Sale processing software Smart Equipment Repair VersaDyne small engine test system Web browser software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.28/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.12/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.11/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.91/5)
  • Achievement/Effort (High importance: 3.89/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Chain Saw Mechanic Chainsaw Technician Edge Trimmer Mechanic Electric Golf Cart Repairer Electric Wheelchair Repairer Engine Mechanic Engine Service Repairer Engine Specialist Garden Equipment Mechanic Garden Implement Mechanic Garden Machinery Mechanic Garden Tractor Mechanic Gas Engine Mechanic Gas Engine Repairer Gas Golf Cart Repairer Generator Technician (Generator Tech) Go-Cart Mechanic Golf Cart Mechanic Golf Course Mechanic Jet Ski Mechanic Lawn Mower Mechanic Lawn Mower Repairer Lawnmower Repair Mechanic Magneto Repairer Mechanic Mobility Scooter Repairer Model Engine Mechanic Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic (OPE Mechanic) Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician Power Generation Technician (Power Generation Tech) Power Saw Mechanic Power Technician (Power Tech) Power Wheelchair Mechanic Production Engine Repairer Repair Technician (Repair Tech) Service Engine Repairer Service Technician (Service Tech) Shop Mechanic Small Engine Mechanic Small Engine Repair Tech (Small Engine Repair Technician) Small Engine Specialist Small Engine Technician (Small Engine Tech) Snowblower Mechanic Snowmobile Mechanic Vehicle Mechanic