Full Answer
How much profit can a small engine repair business make? Small engine repair businesses can be extremely profitable, but they will need a high volume first. An owner would need to repair 6 – 8 lawn mowers a day at a $45 profit to make $90,000 a year.
Small engine mechanics should also possess the following specific qualities:Customer-service skills. Mechanics must discuss equipment problems and repairs with their customers. ... Detail oriented. ... Dexterity. ... Mechanical skills. ... Troubleshooting skills.
Small Engine Technology Course Description: It is an intense hands-on training program that will examine all five areas of two and four cycle engine operations. Students will be introduced to the following skills: shop safety, hand & power tool management, engine rebuilding, and troubleshooting techniques.
Job Outlook Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,000 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Here are the five steps you can take to follow the career path of a small engine mechanic:Graduate high school. The minimum requirement to work as a small engine mechanic is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. ... Gain some relevant experience. ... Consider a degree. ... Acquire licenses and certifications. ... Continue learning.
The four largest manufacturers of small engines for power equipment in 2019 were Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki and Kohler. Other major players include: Kubota, Yamaha and Liquid Combustion Technology.
Small engines are categorized by their engine process, which means there are two different types of small engines: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Both types may be powered by gasoline or diesel fuel....Examples of equipment powered by 2-stroke engines include:Leaf blowers.Chainsaws.Small outboard motors.Mopeds.
Tecumseh engine products at one time were sold in over 120 countries. In December 2008, the company closed its engine manufacturing division.
There are many colleges who provide vocational training on motorcycle technician. A college course will teach you the basic knowledge and skills required to enter the job. For an example, you could take Level 3 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence.
An Auto Mechanic fixes vehicles and replaces their parts for customers. Their duties include repairing the vehicle's mechanical components, diagnosing problems with cars/ trucks and performing maintenance work on them as well.
Penn Foster's online Small Engine Repair Program prepares students to repair typical two-stroke and four-stroke engines, outboard engines, and mari...
Small engine mechanics play a vital role in servicing and repairing outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf-blowers. Mechanics who work on o...
Depending on your education and experience, it can take up to a year to become a small engine mechanic. While postsecondary education isn't require...
Good small engine mechanics are detail-oriented, have strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, and are able to work in a variety of environmen...
Online small engine repair schools are difficult to come by. You might have to narrow your search a bit, in order to go with what few options there are.
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Alexandria Technical & Community College. Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) was founded in 1961 and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
You could earn a certificate in 1-2 years or an associate degree in 2-2.5 years. These programs often contain internship or work-study opportunities related to your coursework.
Small engine repair programs differ greatly from school to school. Technical and vocational schools usually offer certificate programs relating to small engine repair that can be completed in a year or less. Though they might use credits or credit hours to define completion time or content, tech schools usually specify a certain number of practical hours necessary for you to complete a program. For example, 6-month programs can consist 28 credit hours that require 425-630 real-time hours in practical work experience. Some schools allow you to transfer credits earned toward a degree program.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) maintains a searchable, online database of public and private postsecondary institutions. Searching for small engine mechanics and repair technology programs provides you with a list of several community colleges and technical schools that offer suitable programs.
Tech school certificate programs might include some basic math, communication and physics courses as they apply to the technology, though general education is not often part of the program. Small engine repair courses can include repair shop set-up, engine systems and operations, diagnostics and maintenance service.
Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC, offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program in Automotive Systems Technology
Training in small engine repair calls for a great deal of hands-on work, and most online programs are offered through private, for-profit schools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you could become a small engine mechanic or repair specialist with on-the-job training. However, the BLS further stated that employers prefer you have a certain amount of formal training.
It's possible to find programs that teach the theories of small engine repair through online tutorials and instructional videos. That can be a convenient way to learn the basic concepts. You could then get some hands-on practice by tinkering with your own equipment or offering to fix your friends' or neighbors' stuff. You might also consider reaching out to a repair shop in your area to see if you could volunteer your time as a way to gain experience.
Most commonly, it takes between 12 and 24 months to complete a program in small engine repair. However, it's possible to find small engine repair classes that can be completed in as little as four months.*
While some small engine mechanics are generalists, most specialize in areas like: Motorboat repair: Maintain and fix mechanical and electrical equipment in different types of watercraft. Motorcycle repair: Troubleshoot, adjust, and fix motorcycles as well as related vehicles like dirt bikes, ATVs, and scooters.
Some schools partner with major manufacturers, such as Polaris, Harley-Davidson, STIHL, Briggs & Stratton, Toro, Volvo Penta, or Yamaha. That gives students an opportunity to work with industry-current equipment.
Full-time work is the norm, but a mechanic's hours can be affected by the seasons. Spring and summer tend to be busy, while demand drops off in the winter. Some mechanics try to even out the workload by scheduling major repairs like engine overhauls during the off-season.
Getting small engine repair training can be a good move for anyone who is mechanically inclined and wants to generate new vocational possibilities.
Many motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers offer certifications for mechanics who work on their products. These certifications may be required in order to carry out warranty work.
Small engine repair programs teach students how to maintain and repair small engines, such as those used in lawn equipment, watercraft and motorcycles. Training programs are offered at community college and vocational schools, and completing a program generally awards a student a diploma or a certificate. Programs teach students the hands-on skills they need to become a small engine mechanic. Some programs may take only a few months to complete, while others can take up to a few years and may include an internship. Below are some schools that offer small engine repair programs.
Some programs may take only a few months to complete, while others can take up to a few years and may include an internship. Below are some schools that offer small engine repair programs.
Small engines power motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment; just like larger engines, they break down and require skilled technicians to service and repair them. Training programs are offered by community college and technical schools across the country. Read on for more information.
Depending on your education and experience, it can take up to a year to become a small engine mechanic. While postsecondary education isn't required and many shops and businesses will provide some on-the-job training, job prospects are best for those who have completed training programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Good small engine mechanics are detail-oriented, have strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, and are able to work in a variety of environments. They should also have a strong understanding of customer service and organizational skills. Many skills can be developed through training in our online Small Engine Repair Program, including how to start your own repair business.
The average national salary for small engine mechanics was $39,020 in 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*
This certification is voluntary and not required for employment, though it can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for engine repair jobs. The only way to become OPE-certified is to successfully complete their certification exam. Penn Foster Career School's Small Engine Repair program includes the OPE Certification Exam Prep Book to help you prepare for the examination.