Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

What the job really is

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-3053
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
• Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
• Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
• Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
• Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
• Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
• Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
• Replace motors.
• Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
• Show customers how to maintain equipment.
• Remove engines from equipment, and position and bolt engines to repair stands.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Adjustable gap spark testers, Allen wrench sets, Automatic center punches, Ball peen hammers, Battery terminal cleaners, Bearing drivers, Breaker bars, Cam bearing plug gauges, Camshaft bearing drivers, Camshaft bearing pullers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.