Tools of the Trade: Heavy Machinery Mechanincs

Just when you thought the tools for every possible trade had been brought to light and just when you figured that every common tool could be applied to virtually any job and trade that had been overlooked comes to light. While we’ve looked at tools for electricians, tools for plumbers and tools for mechanics, one group of tool users that has stood neglected reveals itself. It turns out that there’s heavy duty construction vehicles that need to be made, repaired and maintained. And wouldn’t you know it? You need tools to do that. Even with the largest construction and heavy duty vehicles, in addition to special tools, it turns out all of the normal standard tools have a place too.

While it goes without saying that those specialized behemoths need special tools and methods for moving and working on them, the bulk of your standard construction equipment and heavy machines is going to be pretty much standard tools. Back hoes, bulldozers, excavators and the like will use, for the most part, what a normal mechanic would. In addition to specialized tools, of course.

To help you put that list of tools together, here’s an older sample list of specific tools you might want to consider for diesel trucks and specifically John Deere equipment and they even recommend the type of storage chest to use. The list is filled out with a good selection of ¼”, ½” and 3/8” socket sets (probably for ratchets and impact drivers) as well as standard wrenches, screwdrivers, ball peen hammers, hex and Torx tools, pliers and the like. Added to the list are a good assortment of files which are good for filing down burs and such when a replacement part doesn’t quite fit the way it should. Pry bars are another good piece of equipment mentioned, no doubt useful when trying to get some larger pieces separated. Another list adds things like wire splicers, hacksaws, drain plug wrenches, slide sledge, chisels, crimping tools and more. While the lists are older and intended for students in a trade school, they would no doubt come in handy once actually repairing heavy equipment and many of the tools are things carried on CAT’s website for repairing big rigs.

Of course there are a good number of other specialized tools and equipment that come in handy. Things like diagnostic equipment, tire cages and changers, slide sledges, mounting and demounting tools, grease guns, air compressors and much more. Many of these tools are very large or unwieldy or super specialized, but really important for helping keep large construction equipment in top shape. Without these other things, your normal tools will only get you so far.

Mechanics that work on heavy equipment rely on many different high quality tools to make sure the construction industry can finish their work on time. If you’re doing work on bulldozers, back hoes, dump trucks and more, you’ll want tools you can trust. We carry many high quality brands for the basic tools CAT mechanics use, and we also carry a lot of Gedore tools specially made to work on large equipment. Get in touch and let us know what you need for the job and what you think of the tools!