Heavy Equipment Technology – General Option

The Heavy Equipment Technology program prepares students to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and rebuilding of the major components of earth moving equipment. Instruction is provided in the classroom on theory, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, electronic and mechanical engines, and manual and power shift transmissions. Some equipment operation is included to familiarize students with the equipment they are learning to repair.

The Heavy Equipment Technology program contributes to the green economy by updating the curriculum as needed each year to introduce the latest technology used to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding emissions control systems.  Additional technology covered includes hybrid assist systems, dual-fueled engines, and the current tier level diesel engines that produce post-combustion air that is cleaner than the intake air, which positively affects the carbon footprint.

Graduates of the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program will have the technical competencies required to be productive in an entry-level heavy equipment technician position. They can expect to find employment with construction companies, heavy equipment sales and service organizations, dealers, state highway maintenance departments, and mining companies. The Heavy Equipment Technology program is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation and the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Due to industry employment requirements, students are required to earn a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) before graduation. The CDL training and licensing require students to: 1) maintain a driving record that is eligible for a Missouri Class A CDL, 2) obtain a complete, current, and valid Medical Examination Report and Certificate for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination, and 3) successfully pass drug screen(s).

It is a graduation requirement of the Heavy Equipment Technology (HET) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses; due to state licensing requirements, students must earn a grade of “B” or better in the CDL classes.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/heavy-equipment-technology-program-facts/.

Program Mission

The mission of the Heavy Equipment Technology program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in today's Heavy Equipment Technology field.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

• Electrical knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain heavy equipment.
• Knowledge and skills including computers that are necessary to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain diesel engines.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain hydraulic and drive train systems as they relate to heavy equipment.
• Critical thinking skills used in troubleshooting and repair processes and demonstrate those skills.
• Oral and written communication skills needed in the diesel technician's field.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 47.0302

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
HET	130	Introduction to Heavy Equipment Service Industry	3
HET	141	Fluids and Filtration	3
HET	145	Engines I	3
HET	150	Internship I	2
HET	160	Internship II	3
HET	200	Internship III	3
HET	210	Internship IV	3
HET	242	Electrical Systems I	3
HET	243	Electrical Systems II	3
HET	244	Hydraulics I	3
HET	245	Hydraulics II	3
HET	246	Power Train I	3
HET	247	Power Train II	3
HET	252	Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, and Repair	3
HET	255	Engines II	3
HET	280	Heating and Air Conditioning	3
SUB-TOTAL			47

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
May Not Include:
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
WLT	128	Basic Welding	3
HEO	151	Basic Commercial Driver License	1
HEO	152	Basic Commercial Driver License Lab	1
SUB-TOTAL			5

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Heavy Equipment Technology (HET) program for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" and "Program Requirements" courses; due to state licensing requirements, students must earn a grade of "B" or better in the CDL classes.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

72

CAT Dealer Service Technician Option Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 47.0302

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
CAT	101	Caterpillar Service Industry	3
CAT	102	Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals - Essentials	2
CAT	103	Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals - Components	3
CAT	105	Internship I	3
CAT	112	Hydraulic Fundamentals	3
CAT	113	Fuel Systems	3
CAT	114	Electrical Fundamentals	3
CAT	116	Powertrain I	3
CAT	117	Machine Hydraulic Systems	3
CAT	118	Air Conditioning Fundamentals	3
CAT	120	Internship II	3
CAT	200	Powertrain II	3
CAT	201	Machine Electronics	3
CAT	205	Internship III	3
CAT	206	Engine Diagnostics and Repair	3
CAT	211	Machine Diagnostics	3
CAT	212	Machine Specific	3
CAT	220	Internship IV	3
SUB-TOTAL			53

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
Must Include:
MAT	115	College Algebra	3
May Not Include:
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
WLT	142	CAT Welding	3
Optional:
HEO	151	Basic Commercial Driver License	1
HEO	152	Basic Commercial Driver License Lab	1
PMT	196	Machining Essentials	3
SUB-TOTAL			3-8

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

76-81

Courses

CAT 101: Caterpillar Service Industry

This course provides instruction and lab experience in shop safety, shop practices and operation, and how to obtain Caterpillar service information. Students learn how to safely use hand tools, power tools, lifting devices, fire-protection equipment, and precision measuring devices. They also learn how to use Caterpillar service information to plan service procedures and select the proper Caterpillar parts and products for a procedure. The history of the Caterpillar corporation, its earthmoving product line, dealer factory network, record keeping requirements, and business practices are also studied.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 102: Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals - Essentials

The principles of compression ignited internal combustion engines are taught and variations in design are discussed. Caterpillar engines are used to illustrate concepts and for discussion examples.

Credit Hours: 2

CAT 103: Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals - Components

The principles of compression ignited internal combustion engine components are taught with variations in design discussed. Caterpillar engines are used for students to learn component and system identification, evaluation, disassembly, and assembly.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 105: Internship I

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a CAT Dealer. Student learning needs in light of course objectives determine the internship emphasis for each student.

Requisites:
Prerequisite CAT 101 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 102 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 103 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 112: Hydraulic Fundamentals

This course is a practical study of the basic principles and components of hydraulic circuits and the application of these principles to Caterpillar competencies in the areas of servicing and maintaining hydraulic equipment. Laboratory practices include disassembly and reassembly of components and tracing circuits.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 113: Fuel Systems

This course is a study of combustion chamber design, Caterpillar fuel injection systems and diagnosing faults in fuel injection and combustion systems.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 114: Electrical Fundamentals

This course is designed to include electrical concepts as they apply to electrical systems. It will include the use of electrical test equipment to diagnose electrical problems found on Caterpillar equipment and engines.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 116: Powertrain I

A study is made of the various sliding gear, hydrostatic synchromesh and power shift transmissions involving planetaries.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 117: Machine Hydraulic Systems

This course is designed for inspecting, testing, servicing and diagnosing Caterpillar basic hydraulic systems.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 118: Air Conditioning Fundamentals

This course provides an introduction into the basic theory and principles of air conditioning as they relate to Caterpillar equipment. Use of equipment to diagnose and repair malfunctions, including repair of component parts and the charging and recharging of systems will be stressed in the laboratory.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 120: Internship II

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the CAT Dealer Service Technician program. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a CAT dealer. Student learning needs in light of course objectives determine the internship emphasis for each student.

Requisites:
Prerequisite CAT 112 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 113 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 114 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 200: Powertrain II

This course is a continuation of power train systems with emphasis on final drives and track systems.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 201: Machine Electronics

This course provides the background needed to diagnose and repair the sophisticated electronics and computerized circuits found on Caterpillar equipment and engines. Basic electronic concepts, component function and identify malfunctions and to test the systems properly.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 205: Internship III

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a CAT Dealer. Student learning needs in light of course objectives determine the internship emphasis for each student.

Requisites:
Prerequisite CAT 116 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 117 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 118 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 206: Engine Diagnostics and Repair

This course provides a thorough understanding of the necessary diagnostic skills required for troubleshooting Caterpillar engines and fuel systems. Emphasis will be placed upon knowledge and skills necessary to assure product reliability and performance.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 211: Machine Diagnostics

This course is a study of the practical use of diagnostic equipment for analyzing and repairing Caterpillar machine and engine systems.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 212: Machine Specific

In this course, each student is assigned a specific Caterpillar machine to study. Students develop the knowledge and skills used to test and adjust their assigned machines' systems.

Credit Hours: 3

CAT 220: Internship IV

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the CAT Dealer Service Technician program. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a CAT dealer. Student learning needs in light of course objectives determine the internship emphasis for each student.

Requisites:
Prerequisite CAT 200 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 201 minimum grade C
Prerequisite CAT 206 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HEO 151: Basic Commercial Driver License

This lecture course is a professional course that teaches the fundamentals of safe driving practices and identifying the hazards of a Class "A" Commercial Motor Vehicle. Students are prepared to take the written and pre-trip inspection portions of the Missouri Department Motor Vehicle Commerical Driver's License (CDL) exam. This course is intended for non-HEO majors.

Requisite:
Prerequisite Instructor's permission based on verification of: 1) driving record that is eligible for a Missouri Class A CDL, 2) complete, current, and valid Medical Examination Report and Certificate for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination, and 3) successful drug screen(s).

Credit Hours: 1

HEO 152: Basic Commercial Driver License Lab

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) lab teaches Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) pre-trip inspection requirements, basic maneuver skills, safe on-road skills that are performed on public streets and highways. This course is intended for non-HEO majors.

Requisite:
Corequisite HEO 151 NOTE: Each student will be required to have a Class A CDL permit for the driving portion of this class and maintain eligibility to take the Missouri Class A CDL examination.

Credit Hours: 1

HET 130: Introduction to Heavy Equipment Service Industry

This course teaches various types of machinery, introduction to preventive maintenance, proper starting procedure and operation of equipment. Discussion of communication both internally and externally within the company structure as it relates to written documents and oral instructions. The written communication focus is on documenting repairs needed and completed as well as other documentation required within the company structure.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 141: Fluids and Filtration

This course discusses the purpose and characteristics of the different types of fuel, oil and lubricants. Also, the coolant system and filterization are discussed and applied.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 145: Engines I

Basic engine systems are the core components taught in this course. Participants will learn and discuss related component operations and their specific functions pertaining to engine performance. Activities will include engine rebuild, inspection, repair and maintenance.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 150: Internship I

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technology General Option. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a participating company involved in the repair of heavy equipment. Student's needs and objectives determine major emphasis.

Requisites:
Prerequisite HET 130 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 141 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite HET 244 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

HET 160: Internship II

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technology General Option. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a participating company involved in the repair of heavy equipment. Student's needs and objectives determine major emphasis.

Requisites:
Prerequisite HET 242 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite HET 246 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 200: Internship III

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technology General Option. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a participating company involved in the repair of heavy equipment. Student's needs and objectives determine major emphasis.

Requisites:
Prerequisite HET 145 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 243 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite HET 280 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 210: Internship IV

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technology General Option. Placement is obtained through the cooperation of a participating company involved in the repair of heavy equipment. Student's needs and objectives determine major emphasis.

Requisites:
Prerequisite HET 245 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite HET 255 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 242: Electrical Systems I

This course discusses the theory of electrical components and symbols, batteries, wiring and connector maintenance, schematic readings, starting systems, charging systems, and lighting systems. Diagnostic tooling is discussed and applied in detail.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 243: Electrical Systems II

This course teaches the fundamentals of electronics and computers, diagnosis and repair of electronic circuits, multiplexing, and the diagnosis and repair of electronically-controlled power train systems.

Requisite:
Prerequisite HET 242 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 244: Hydraulics I

This course discusses the theory of fluid power and hydraulics. Basic pump, motors and systems are explained.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 245: Hydraulics II

This course describes different types of hydraulics systems, schematic reading ISO symbols, diagnostic tooling, hoses and couplings. Testing, adjusting, and troubleshooting/diagnosis of machine hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems.

Requisite:
Prerequisite HET 244 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 246: Power Train I

This course describes various transmission, torque converters, differentials, final drives and proper use of tooling.

Credit Hours: 3

HET 247: Power Train II

This course teaches assembly, disassembly, rebuilding, and troubleshooting of various makes and models of power train components not covered in the previous required power train course. Instruction is also provided on the proper maintenance, adjustment, and installation of undercarriages. Tire and wheel maintenance procedures are included in this course.

Requisite:
Prerequisite HET 246 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 252: Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, and Repair

This course will enable the student to effectively troubleshoot and diagnose equipment and perform repairs including estimation of time and materials needed to complete the repair.

Requisites:
Prerequisite HET 130 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 141 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 243 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 245 minimum grade C
Prerequisite HET 255 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite HET 280 minimum grade C
Concurrent HET 247 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 255: Engines II

This course will concentrate on advanced engine systems including fuel systems with emphasis on diesel engine components and electronic engine control including exhaust aftertreatment and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) emissions standards. Instruction includes the use of the latest computerized test equipment utilized in engine diagnostics. The course also includes instruction on mechanical and electronic governor control systems.

Requisite:
Prerequisite HET 145 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

HET 280: Heating and Air Conditioning

This course teaches heating and air conditioning systems used on heavy equipment. Topics and practices will include environmental safety, refrigerant recycling, recharging systems, and climate control. Students must pass the reclamation license test during the first week of class.

Credit Hours: 3

PMT 196: Machining Essentials

This course teaches how to safely perform fundamental machining operations using mills, lathes, and other machine shop equipment. Precision measurement skills are also included.

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 128: Basic Welding

Basic principles and fundamentals of SMAW, Oxy-fuel (welding, cutting and brazing), GTAW and GMAW.

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 142: CAT Welding

This course is designed to acquaint the student with more common welding techniques and equipment used currently in trades and industry. Consideration is given to welding with arc and oxyacetylene in various positions, hard surfacing, brazing, cutting, electrode selection and metal identification. The student is expected to develop basic skills in general welding.

Credit Hours: 3