Maintains, tests and repairs engines of chainsaws, lawn mowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines. Registration or licensing may be required.
Light engine mechanics test, service and repair small engines and parts in
boats and other small engine-powered equipment such as chainsaws, brush-
cutters, lawnmowers, pumps and stationary engines.
Light engine mechanics work in workshops and garages. Protective clothing is
usually worn.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Light Engine Mechanic earn an average of $966 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $50232 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
enjoy practical and manual activities
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
normal eyesight and hearing
aptitude for technical activities
problem-solving skills
able to read and interpret technical information from service manuals
no skin allergies or reactions to grease, oil or petrol.
This job also involves:
Full use of hands/fingers
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements
are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination
or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to
undertake.
Good vision for detail
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It
covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place
unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with
detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good
hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job
training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Industrial Arts
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Mathematics
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a
pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Light Engine Mechanic
Light engine mechanics may perform the following tasks:
determine mechanical and electrical faults through discussion with users, listening to engines and using specialised testing equipment
dismantle faulty engine assemblies, check parts using precision measuring equipment and refer to workshop manuals
clean, lubricate and tune engines to ensure they run properly
repair damaged or faulty parts by straightening, welding, machining or hand-making new metal parts
repair and adjust electrical faults
remove small dents in panels, spray paint and do minor trim repairs
set up and water-test outboard motors.
Specialisations
Lawnmower Mechanic
A lawnmower mechanic diagnoses faults and performs necessary repairs on
lawnmowers and related equipment.
Outboard Motor Mechanic
An outboard motor mechanic diagnoses faults and performs necessary repairs on
boat engines.