Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology

Introduction to Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology presents students with the terminology, processes, and expectations of the diesel industry.  The course covers workplace safety, etiquette, forklift training, tools and usage, fasteners, and general maintenance practices. Students are presented an overall view of the industry and introduced to the many career opportunities in this industry. In addition, students explore strategies for critical reading of service reference material.

Heavy-Duty Electrical Systems introduces students to the fundamentals of electrical systems common to diesel-powered equipment. The course covers electrical theory, Ohm’s law, circuit protection and control, along with electrical schematics reading. Students learn about electrical circuit function, circuit construction, testing, and multimeter usage. Students are also introduced to electronic control modules, data communication, and the use of manufacturer software. Laboratory work supports a hands-on approach to classroom theory. Students work individually or as teams where they apply theory and the operating principles of common electrical systems.

Diesel Power Systems introduces students to the fundamentals of diesel engines.  The course covers theory and operation, nomenclature, maintenance, overhaul, and troubleshooting techniques. Students learn about various secondary diesel engine systems such as exhaust, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, and air induction. Laboratory work supports a hands-on approach to classroom theory. Students work individually or as teams where they apply theory and operating principles and identify the components of the diesel engine.

Fuel and Emission Systems introduces students to the fundamentals of fuel-injection and emission-control systems for diesel engines. The course covers theory and operation, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting techniques. Students learn about the fuel systems, their individual components, and their function. They also learn about the causes of emissions and their aftertreatment systems in current heavy-duty trucks and equipment. Laboratory work supports a hands-on approach to classroom theory. Students work individually or as teams where they apply theory and operating principles and identify the components of the fuel and emission systems.

In Cooperative Education, students gain employment within the industry working a minimum of 400 hours while doing an academic assignment. Students are assisted in finding an industry partner with whom to work. This course enables students to apply learned course competencies in a real-life setting. The course provides supplemental laboratory experience on an extensive array of equipment, processes, and repair situations.

Heavy-Duty Power Trains introduces students to the theory and operation of heavy-duty driveline systems. The course covers theory and operation, nomenclature, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting techniques. It also explores the principles of torque multiplication in transmissions, differential carriers, and final drives. Students learn about clutches, manual transmissions, powershift transmissions, torque converters, and related components. Laboratory work supports a hands-on approach to classroom theory. Students work individually or as teams where they apply theory and operating principles of power-train components.

Mobile Hydraulics I provides students with an in-depth study of hydraulic components and the way they are linked together to create the various systems used in mobile equipment today.  Students first explore graphic symbols and schematics, as well as the type and functionality of various hydraulic system components. Then they look at various hydraulic systems: how they work and how to troubleshoot them.

Mobile Hydraulics II focuses on advanced hydraulic systems, problem solving, troubleshooting, and testing. Students explore load-sensing pressure-compensated systems, proportional-priority pressure-compensated systems, pilot and electrohydraulic control systems, hydrostatic systems, and excavator hydraulic systems. The course places special attention on hydraulic pump control in each of these systems. Students also explore advanced diagnostic techniques using schematics. Students are expected to solve technical problems and write a technical report outlining their procedures and results.

Electronic Troubleshooting is an in-depth study of electronic troubleshooting techniques on various electrical systems including transmission, hydraulic, engine, emission, and climate-control systems. Students utilize digital multimeters, basic hand tools, and specialized diagnostic tools to test, verify, and evaluate various electrical components. Students become familiar with service information systems (SIS) and electronic service tools (EST) utilized by various heavy-duty truck and equipment manufacturers. The course emphasizes schematic reading throughout the semester.

Heavy-Duty Chassis, Brake, and Climate Control Systems explores chassis frame, suspension, and undercarriage systems utilized in both on- and off-highway equipment. Students learn how undercarriage components are measured ultrasonically and view many different wear patterns. They study brake theory, along with basic brake foundation, antilock, air system, diagnostics, and servicing of heavy-duty on-highway brake systems. The course also covers air-over-hydraulic and multiple wet-disc systems used in off-highway equipment and explores aspects of climate control, including operating theory, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting techniques of HVAC. Students learn to use testing equipment safely to diagnose and recharge A/C systems.