Heavy Equipment Technology

The Rend Lake College Heavy Equipment program is a two-year curriculum designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and work skills needed to enter the construction equipment repair field, with emphasis placed on earthmoving equipment repair and maintenance. This mechanical field programis structured with both lecture and laboratory experience and leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

College personnel take great pride in the fact that most work is based on realistic “live” work situations. Emphasis is placed on heavy quipment power trains, hydraulic systems, machine maintenance, diesel engine maintenance, electrical systems, diesel engine electronics, and computerized system controllers in relation to the modern technology of today’s industry. Course work includes two supervised occupational experience internships (on-the-job training).

Degrees and Certificates in Heavy Equipment Technology

APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

A two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is designed to prepare students for occupations involving the maintenance and repair of heavy duty trucks and equipment. Upon completion of the curriculum, the student should have a thorough knowledge of engine and brake repair, servicing, sales and alignment. Also upon completion, the student has the option to capstone into a participating four-year institution.

► Total = 70 Hours

First Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 1208 Diesel Engines (6)
CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers (3)
DIEL 1208 Diesel Accessories (2)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)
HEQT 1201 Heavy Equipment Maintenance (4)

Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 1204 Physics of Hydraulics (4)
AGRI 1221 Intro to Agriculture Occupations (1)
COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
DIEL 1205 Heavy Equipment Brakes (3)
HEQT 1208 Fundamentals of Machine Electronics (3)
HEQT 1211 Engine Fuel Systems (3)

Third Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 1222 Applied Mathematics ¹ (3)
AGRI 2201 Transmissions and Power Trains (4)
DIEL 1204 Intermediate Diesels (4)
HEQT 2203 Machine Systems Electronics (3)
PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology (3)

Fourth Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 2204 Advanced Major Overhaul (5)
HEQT 1209 Heating, Ventilation and A/C (2)
HEQT 1210 Supervised Occupational Experience (4)
HEQT 2205 Undercarriage & Final Drives (3)
HEQT 2207 Machine Systems Diagnosis & Troubleshooting (4)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based test scores.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY - Certificate

APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

Occupational Certificate

This certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level occupations involving maintenance and repair of heavy duty trucks and equipment. Upon completion of the curriculum, the students should have basic knowledge of engine, brakes, servicing and undercarriage.

► Total = 29 Hours

Click on a course's code to view details and find seat availability

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 1208 Diesel Engines (6)
DIEL 1208 Diesel Accessories (2)
AGRI 2201 Transmissions and Power Trains (4)
HEQT 1201 Heavy Equipment Maintenance (4)

Second Semester (13 Cr. Hrs.)

AGRI 1204 Physics of Hydraulics (4)
DIEL 1205 Heavy Equipment Brakes (3)
HEQT 1208 Fundamentals of Machine Electronics (3)
HEQT 1211 Engine Fuel Systems (3)

Heavy Equipment Technology Brochures

Heavy Equipment Technology Brochure

Program Costs

Heavy Equipment Technology

Program Outcomes

Heavy Equipment Technology

Evaluate electrical circuits and components possessing the ability to identify and replace faulty components.
Analyze hydraulic systems with the ability to determine if they are operating properly and if they are not, identify and replace defective components.
Analyze power trains systems, be able to trouble-shoot, repair and replace worn components.
Trouble-shoot and repair diesel engines related to Heavy Equipment.
Analyze air conditioning systems with the ability to diagnose and repair problems.
Perform repairs on equipment using safe work procedures observing all applicable O.S.H.A. standards.
Demonstrate work ethics which will make the individual successful in the work force, and/or transfer to a senior institution.

Faculty & Staff

Gabriele Farner

Dean of Applied Science & Technology

Phone Extension: 1292

Building: Advanced Technology Division

Office: 138

M.S. & B.S., Southern Illinois University

Zachary Vahlkamp

Heavy Equipment Technology Associate Professor | Applied Science Division

Phone Extension: 7914

Building: Applied Science Center

Office: 114

A.A.S., Rend Lake College

Christopher E. Sink

Computer Networking Professor

Phone Extension: 1798

Building: Advanced Technology Center

Office: 183

B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale | A.S., Rend Lake College | A.A.S., John A. Logan College

Taylor Atchison

Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division

Phone Extension: 1261

Building: South Oasis

Office: 139

A.A. & A.S., Rend Lake College | A.S., John A. Logan College

Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1261
Email:
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science