Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program in South Plainfield
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program in South Plainfield
Want to work on the powerful machines that keep America running? The Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program at Lincoln Tech’s South Plainfield campus trains you to service and maintain diesel engines, drivetrains, suspension systems, and electronics found in commercial trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. Through hands-on training, you build real-world experience that prepares you for a career in the growing heavy equipment industry1.
Drive your career forward with the Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program at our South Plainfield, New Jersey campus today.
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program Delivery
Day, afternoon and evening classes are available. Hands-on instruction is provided on-campus, with some coursework delivered online. Lincoln Tech utilizes animations and simulations to enhance skill development, reinforce concepts, and allow you to practice troubleshooting in a risk-free environment.
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 55.0
- Instructional Hours: 1320
- Completion Time: Approximately 57 weeks
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program Classes and Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the Lincoln Tech academic approach ensures that our programs align with current employer requirements and technological advancements. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, your courses are designed to provide you with entry-level diesel and truck repair skills. You train on systems used across today’s heavy equipment fleets, including air brakes, fuel injection systems, hydraulics, suspension, and electrical diagnostics. And you gain invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program Learning Objectives
- Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and related systems.
- Service brakes, drivetrains, suspension, steering, and electrical components.
- Adjust the components of a truck steering system including the toe-in, camber, and caster.
- Service fuel systems brands including Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar and others.
- Interpret service manuals and technical schematics.
- Use computerized diagnostic tools and equipment.
- Understand diesel fuel systems and emissions control.
- Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections.
- Communicate effectively with coworkers and clients about service needs.
- Apply OSHA safety regulations and diesel industry best practices.
- Prepare for ASE certification testing.
Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program in South Plainfield, you may find entry-level employment with:
- Trucking companies and fleet maintenance services
- Diesel engine repair shops
- Equipment leasing companies
- Municipal and government vehicle maintenance divisions
- Heavy equipment dealerships
- Bus and other transportation companies
- Marine equipment companies
- Construction firms and equipment dealerships
Heavy Equipment Service Opportunities in South Plainfield
Graduates of the Heavy Equipment Service Technology Certificate Program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations2 such as:
Heavy Equipment Service Technology — South Plainfield
HETX100 — Certificate Program
CIP Code: 47.0302
SOC Code: 49-3042
Day, Afternoon, Evening Programs
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 55.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 1320 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 57 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
This program is designed to prepare students for entry into the diesel and truck or heavy-duty and off-road equipment career field. Students enrolled in this program will learn theory, functions, diagnostics, and repair of diesel engines, truck systems and off-road equipment system units. Utilizing industry standard tools and equipment, students will diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, drive train, steering, and suspension systems on trucks and heavy- duty and off-road equipment. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate should possess knowledge and versatility in the diesel/truck and heavy-duty off-road equipment service and repair industry to qualify for entry-level positions in either truck or heavy-duty and construction equipment dealerships, fleet and equipment maintenance facilities as well as independent service and repair enterprises.
In addition to the technical training, a critical aspect of a Lincoln education is developing the professional skills that are required by our employers. Students will need to demonstrate skill proficiency through a series of professional development activities and seminars which are integrated into each course. The modules include:
- Student Success
- Financial Literacy
- Professional Development
- Career Success
Foundation Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
The overall goal of this course is to facilitate a smooth transition to school by engaging the student in curriculum focusing on academics, career, and life skills. Students will make connections with key personnel within the school that will assist with their questions and provide guidance throughout their education.
The student will be introduced to medium and heavy duty truck systems, industry certifications, and job opportunities. Students will learn essential skills for the vehicle technician including safety and equipment fundamentals.
The student will also learn the basic operation of a hydraulic system. This includes giving a description of the operation and the diagnostic procedures for components in a hydraulic system. Students will study Pascal’s Law and the Bernoulli’s Principle of Hydraulics as they pertain to the repair industry. Lastly, the student will learn how to properly repair the basic hydraulic system in a hydraulic shop.
The course content will be balanced by an emphasis on skills that will enable the student to be successful in school and in life. These skills will include time management, financial management, goal setting, learning strategies, career planning, and critical thinking strategies.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None. |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with practical theory in basic and solid state circuitry, including body electrical systems, operation and service of automotive storage batteries, automobile charging systems, starting systems, and lighting systems. Students will evaluate components using both conventional and electronic diagnostic equipment.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose basic electrical, charging, starting, and lighting circuits through the use of diagnostic equipment to include test lights, multimeters, and continuity testers. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to service medium and heavy duty diesel engines. Instruction on the operating principles, construction, design variations, and applications of the diesel engines are emphasized.
The student will learn how to perform a complete disassembly and assembly of the instructions in the engine’s manufacturers service manual. They will also learn the proper methods of inspecting, identifying and naming the components to determine serviceability of the components prior to making a repair. This will include learning how to make all the necessary precision measurements required for diagnosing component failure prior to servicing and repair of the engine.
The student will learn how to service, repair and diagnose the cooling and lubricating system of diesel engines. The student will learn the different types of coolants as well as additives and how to test for Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) to determine if additions to or replacement is needed. Students will learn how to perform coolant tests with different testing equipment.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
Core Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
For Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Service Technology With Volkswagen, and Automotive Service Management Technology programs: AUX100, AUX103 For Diesel and Truck Service Technology, Diesel and Truck Service Management Technology and Heavy Equipment Service Technology programs: AUX103, MHT100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with theory and application of automobile air conditioning and heating systems. Students will also be presented with the operation of various automobile accessories to include: power windows, door locks, and seats, and air bag operation and service.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to diagnose abnormal operation of air conditioning and heating systems, remove and replace air conditioning and heating system components, and evacuate and recharge automobile air conditioning systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100, AUX103, MHT108 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to service fuel systems found on diesel powered truck tractors. The student will learn how to perform maintenance, service and repair on diesel fuel systems such as the Common Rail System, Detroit Diesel Electronic Controls (DDEC), different Cummins Systems, and International HEUI systems. The student will learn how to perform tune-ups on diesel engines by following manufacturer’s service procedures and specifications.
The student will learn how to identify the different exhaust compounds from a diesel engine and define the ones that are classified as pollutants. The student will learn about the various manufacturers’ exhaust aftertreatment systems. The student will learn how to perform an opacity smoke test and correlate the test results to engine performance and possible component failure.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100, AUX103 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary skills and knowledge required to identify, service, and repair the different types of electrical and electronic circuits found on late model medium and heavy duty trucks. Operation, diagnosis, and service of the trucks computer systems will be emphasized.
The student will learn to apply Ohm’s law to series, parallel and series-parallel circuits and how data is transmitted from the various engine, body, and electronic system sensors to onboard computers that control fuel management, driveability performance, and driver comfort systems.
The student will learn how to diagnose and service electrical and electronic systems using wiring diagrams, manufacturer service manuals, and specialized diagnostic equipment. The student will learn how to properly identify, disassemble, repair as necessary, and assemble connectors and wiring on medium and heavy duty trucks.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
For Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Service Technology With Volkswagen, and Automotive Service Management Technology programs: AUX100, AUX103, AUX208 For Diesel and Truck Service Technology, Diesel and Truck Service Management Technology and Heavy Equipment Service Technology programs: MHT100, AUX103, AUX208 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the students with exposure to an actual shop environment, procedures, and protocol by applying prominent skills obtained in previous courses. This course will also provide the student with an orientation and introduction to the management and business component of the automotive industry. The management and procedures associated with automotive related businesses are emphasized including employee/employer expectations, the service write-up process, business organizational structure, career opportunities, customer relations, personnel management, facilities, business records, insurance, and safety. Knowledge relating to management practices within an automotive business will help the student adapt and acclimate to the working environment.
Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems.
Students will learn how to prepare an employment resume and application. Students will learn how to complete various forms used in automotive businesses. Students will learn how to properly interview for employment. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100, AUX103 |
Course Description
This course covers the basic operation of a hydraulic system to include the description, operation, safety precautions, and a logical approach to component and system diagnosis. The student will study Pascal’s Law and Bernoulli’s Principles of hydraulics as they relate to the repair industry. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate skills learned through hands-on application on live equipment.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100 |
Course Description
This course is an introduction to welding, safe operation of construction equipment, and equipment preventive maintenance. The student will learn the necessary safety precautions pertaining to cutting, welding, and general equipment operation. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate welding skills with MIG and ARC welders. Students will learn the proper methods of cutting utilizing oxyacetylene combination torches.
Emphasis will be placed on maintenance tasks that technicians in the heavy equipment industry are required to perform. Students will demonstrate newly acquired skills while utilizing live equipment. Students will learn various OSHA requirements for proper personal and equipment operator safety.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100 |
Course Description
This course provides the student with the fundamentals of heavy equipment power train systems. Emphasis is on real world hands-on shop experience utilizing live heavy-duty equipment. Students will disassemble equipment including front-end loader differentials, planetary gear sets, and multiple countershaft Powershift transmission, mechanical transmissions, and clutch assemblies. Students will be required to remove, inspect, and replace mechanical transmissions and clutch assemblies.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
MHT100 |
Course Description
This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of heavy equipment systems. Emphasis is on real world hands-on shop experience utilizing live heavy-duty equipment. Students will disassemble different types of equipment including; front-end loader differential, backhoe suspension, brake systems, kingpin suspension systems, and foundation brakes. Students will also remove and install rubber and steel track systems.
Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Maximum time frame: 82.5 credits.
1 O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3042.00?st=NJ&g=Go, retrieved on July 29, 2025.
2 These companies have hired one or more 2021 – 2024 Lincoln graduates to work in their field of study.
Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia will be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
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