Outdoor Power Equipment / Other Small Engine Mechanic

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Chainsaw Technician; Golf Cart Mechanic; Lawnmower Repair Mechanic; Mechanic; Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician; Service Technician (Service Tech); Shop Mechanic; Small Engine Mechanic; Small Engine Technician (Small Engine Tech)

Tasks

• Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
• Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
• Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
• 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.
• Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
• Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
• Replace motors.
• Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
• Show customers how to maintain equipment.
• Remove engines from equipment, and position and bolt engines to repair stands.
• Sell parts and equipment.
• Grind, ream, rebore, and re-tap parts to obtain specified clearances, using grinders, lathes, taps, reamers, boring machines, and micrometers.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Engineering and Technology
• Education and Training
• Sales and Marketing
• Transportation

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening

Abilities

• Finger Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Control Precision
• Visualization
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Oral Comprehension
• Multilimb Coordination
• Extent Flexibility
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Static Strength
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention