How Heavy Mobile Diesel Mechanic Differ from Diesel Mechanic?

If you ever been stuck roadside with a heavy truck, you know how vital the right mechanic is.

Calling a diesel mechanic can get your some of lighter issues sorted, but not the complex engine faults of your mining rig. For that, you’ll need a heavy mobile diesel mechanic.

But how to know which one is right for which situation? Let’s find out in this expert guide. We’ll compare their specialised services & job types. So, you’ll never end up with wrong choices & avoid crucial minutes of your heavy beast.

Plus, if you need trusted heavy diesel service in Western Australia, meet West Fleet Care. We specialise in Scania and heavy diesel rig. You can get authentic parts, top-grade consumables, and fully trained pros to your site.

So, What is a Diesel Mechanic?

A diesel mechanic is a trained professional who works on diesel engines in light to medium-duty vehicles. They can solve almost every problem for you if you have a van, ute, or small truck. E.g. engine trouble, failing emissions, or regular service.

Their job involves diagnosing problems, changing filters, tuning engines, and keeping your diesel-powered machine run efficiently. They:

• Inspect and service diesel engines
• Check and repair braking, cooling, and exhaust systems
• Perform basic diagnostics and engine tuning
• Carry out routine maintenance like oil changes and filter replacements

They’re vital for everyday diesel vehicles but are limited to non-heavy commercial applications.

Then, What is a Heavy Mobile Diesel Mechanic?

A heavy diesel mechanic or heavy mobile diesel mechanic is the big brother in game.

These mechanics work on larger, more complex machines. Like semi-trailers, buses, mining trucks, and agricultural machinery. They take care of complex diagnostics, full engine rebuilds, compliance checks.

So, your heavy-duty transport systems keep running safely under extreme work conditions. Their services include:

• Working on transmissions, gearboxes, differentials
• Hydraulic system repairs
• Electrical diagnostics and rewiring
• Compliance inspections and certifications
• Welding, fabrication, and structural maintenance

These mechanics know that it’s not easy to get a rig or Scania to a workshop. So, they are mostly mobile. Means they don’t wait for you to come to them. Instead, they bring the workshop to you via off-site repairs.

Differences Between A Diesel Mechanic & A Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Let’s go to details of major differences between a diesel mechanic and a heavy duty diesel mechanic. So, you know who to call and when.

1. Education & Qualification

Diesel Mechanic completes a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, specialising in diesel engines. They focus more on engines found in light commercial vehicles. Best diesel mechanics even go for additional diplomas.

Heavy Diesel Mechanic is trained through a Certificate III or IV in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology. They undergo deeper training in complex systems. Like transmissions, hydraulics, diagnostics, and more.

They also receive factory-specific training on specialised makes like Scania or mining vehicles. Plus, heavy diesel mechanics need additional certifications for high-risk work environments like mines, construction zones, or road compliance work.

2. Job Responsibilities

A heavy mobile diesel mechanic does all of the above with the capability to do it on the road, on-site, or anywhere the vehicle is stranded.

3. Tools & Equipment Used

Diesel mechanics use handheld diagnostics, standard lifts, basic torque tools, and simple vehicle ramps. Heavy diesel mechanics, on the other hand, need:

• Hydraulic lifts or cranes
• Industrial-grade torque wrenches
• Mobile diagnostic laptops with advanced software
• Welding equipment
• Oxy-acetylene tools
• Air brake testing tools
• Power generators for off-site work

Their toolkit is bigger, heavier for tougher scenarios.

4. Vehicle Types They Work On

Diesel Mechanic:

• Utes
• Vans
• Light-duty trucks
• Small fleet vehicles

Heavy Diesel Mechanic:

• Prime movers
• Semi-trailers
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Buses
• Mining and construction equipment
• Road trains and agricultural machinery

If your vehicle hauls 10 tonnes or up, it’s a job for a heavy duty diesel mechanic.

5. Specialised Skills & Knowledge

Diesel Mechanics understand:

• Small engine performance
• Emissions systems
• Fuel injection tuning
• Standard vehicle safety systems

Heavy Diesel Mechanics are trained in:

• Air brake systems
• Trailer coupling systems
• Load-bearing safety checks
• Electronic engine control modules (ECMs)
• Suspension calibration for weight distribution
• Fabrication and welding for structural fixese

They’re also trained to handle more volatile work conditions. E.g. remote repairs, hot engines, and bad weather are part of the job.

6. Safety Considerations

Heavy diesel mechanics follow stricter safety standards due to the size and risk level of the machinery they work on. Some of their protocols include:

• Lockout/tagout procedures for dangerous machinery
• Confined space entry qualifications
• Use of PPE like high-vis, gloves, safety goggles, steel-toe boots
• Heavy lifting and load management techniques

In contrast, a regular diesel mechanic operates within workshop environments with basic safety guidelines.

How Do You Know Which One You Need?

If your vehicle is:

• Over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM)
• Designed for mining, agriculture or long-haul transport
• Failing compliance or inspection checks
• Experiencing issues with hydraulics or air brakes
• Broken down on the side of the highway

Then you need a heavy mobile diesel mechanic.

But, if it’s a delivery van, ute, or small fleet truck just due for service or minor repairs, a diesel mechanic will do just fine.

Why Should You Choose Right Professional?

Let’s say your Scania prime mover starts overheating while hauling up a hill.

You call a regular diesel mechanic. They arrive with the basics like wrenches, scanner, fluids but no heavy-duty diagnostic gear. Turns out, it’s a faulty air compressor affecting the brake system. Now you’re stuck waiting again while a heavy diesel mechanic is called in.

This extra time can cost you:

• Delayed business
• Missed deadlines
• Frustrated clients

And if you ask the diesel mechanic to solve the issue somehow. He’ll make your vehicle work for the time being but you’ll have to face:

• Failed compliance checks
• Repeat breakdowns
• Costly rework or part replacements

Choosing the right mechanic is essential to get back on the road safely, quickly & affordably.

Need a Reliable Mobile Diesel Mechanic Perth?

Book Your Heavy-Duty Diesel Service with West Fleet Care

At West Fleet Care, we deal with all types of heavy vehicles & mining trucks.

We bring top-quality tools, certified expertise, and genuine parts to every job. So, if you need routine servicing, brake repair, or full fleet maintenance, our mobile mechanic Perth team can help. And if you’re stuck roadside, our Diesels Mobile Mechanics are just a call away.

We’re based in Wangara but cover all of Perth and surrounding areas.

Book Your Service