Heavy Equipment Technology (HET)

Industry partnerships provide graduating students with career options in the field of Heavy Equipment Technology. Learn the fundamentals of Heavy Equipment Diesel Engines, Hydraulics, Electrical, and Fuel Systems. All coursework is based on live product training from experienced instructors. Job shadowing and paid internships can be offered following the first year of completed studies, allowing students to apply their new skills acquired while in the classroom.

If you are mechanically inclined, self-motivated, and would like to work on really big equipment, come join our team!

For information on the Heavy Equipment Certificate please contact the CWE Counselors to schedule an appointment.

The HET office is located in Applied Technology Building – Room T123

Estimated Cost of Program

Certificate in Heavy Equipment Technology: $2,446

Academic Program

Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician – Certificates of Achievement

Heavy Equipment Technology Courses:

Click the course name below to open/close the course description.

Course name

HET 052 – Outdoor Power Equipment Engine Repair
- 4 units
- Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement
This course is designed to provide the student with the skills required to repair the engines used in Outdoor Power Equipment. Emphasis is placed on problem diagnosis, service procedures, proper repair techniques, and machining operations. In addition, the students will learn tools and service equipment use and will have the opportunity to perform repair work on their own equipment to complete required tasks. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 051 and HET 053. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in Outdoor Power Equipment.
HET 121 – Introduction to Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- 3 units
- Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to: CSU
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of periodic maintenance of various heavy equipment systems such as engines, hydraulics, drive trains, final drives, and hydraulic, and air brake systems. Students learn basic tools and shop equipment, and how to safely perform routine services and minor repair operations on heavy machinery. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 122, HET 123, HET 124, and HET 125, and is required for the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Students are encouraged to complete all five courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in heavy equipment technology.
HET 122 – Introduction to Heavy Equipment Electrical and Diagnostic Procedures
- 3 units
- Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to: CSU
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the basics of heavy equipment electrical systems. Topics include fundamental principles, electrical symbols and schematics, batteries, starting, charging, and lighting systems. Students will learn the proper use of electrical measuring tools and how to safely perform basic electrical tests and minor repairs. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 121, HET 123, HET 124 and HET 125, and it is required for the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Students are encouraged to complete all five courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in heavy equipment technology.
HET 123 – Introduction to Heavy Equipment Mobile Hydraulics
- 3 units
- Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to: CSU
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the basic construction and operation of mobile hydraulic systems. Topics include hydraulic safety, fundamental principles, pumps, valves, cylinders and motors, hoses, couplers, and hydraulic symbols and schematics. Students learn the proper use of hydraulic tools and how to safely perform hydraulic tests and minor repairs. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 121, HET 122, HET 124 and HET 125, and it is required for the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Students are encouraged to complete all five courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in heavy equipment technology.
HET 124 – Introduction to Heavy Equipment Powertrains
- 3 units
- Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to: CSU
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the basic construction and operation of heavy equipment powertrains. Topics include principles of gears, friction clutches, fluid couplers, anti-friction bearings, planetary gears, and differential gear sets. Students learn the proper use of precision measuring tools and how to safely perform basic powertrain tests and minor repairs. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 121, HET 122, HET 123 and HET 125, and it is required for the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Students are encouraged to complete all five courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in heavy equipment technology.
HET 125 – Introduction to Diesel Engines, Fuel Systems and Emissions
- 3 units
- Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts
- Transfers to: CSU
This is an introductory course design to familiarize students with the basic construction, operation, and emission controls of the four-stroke diesel engine. Topics include engine blocks, rotating assemblies, cylinder heads, valve trains, and intake, exhaust, lubrication and cooling systems. In addition, fuel systems and diesel emission reduction strategies are also discussed. Students learn the proper use of diagnostic tools and how to safely perform basic engine tests and minor repairs. This course is designed to be a companion course to HET 121, HET 122, HET 123 and HET 124, and it is required for the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Students are encouraged to complete all five courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in heavy equipment technology.