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Certificate of Achievement
Heavy Equipment Technology - Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician

The courses required for this certificate of achievement encompass a comprehensive list of job-related skills required to acquire heavy equipment maintenance skills. The skills obtained during these courses prepare students for entry-level employment as a heavy equipment maintenance technician, or other positions within a heavy equipment repair facility.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
HET 121 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment MaintenanceM3.0
HET 121 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Maintenance (3.0 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 ProceduresM3.0
HET 122 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Electrical and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 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 HydraulicsM3.0
HET 123 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Mobile Hydraulics (3.0 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 PowertrainsM3.0
HET 124 - Introduction to Heavy Equipment Powertrains (3.0 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.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
2nd Semester
HET 125 - Introduction to Diesel Engines, Fuel Systems and EmissionsM3.0
HET 125 - Introduction to Diesel Engines, Fuel Systems and Emissions (3.0 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.

HET 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Heavy Equipment Technology-Related FieldsM1.0
HET 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Heavy Equipment Technology-Related Fields (1.0 units)

Advisory:This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of heavy equipment maintenance and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
Total Units for Heavy Equipment Technology - Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician COA program 16.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

When given a heavy machine, students will carry out a machine performance test and determine if all systems operate as intended.


2

When given a heavy machine, students will carry out electrical performance tests and determine if the electrical system operates as intended.


3

When given a heavy machine, students will carry out hydraulic performance tests and determine if the hydraulic system operates as intended.


4

When given a heavy machine, students will carry out powertrain performance tests and determine if the powertrain system operates as intended.


5

When given a heavy machine, students will carry out engine performance tests and determine if the engine operates as intended.


6

When given a heavy machine, students will document all service events and communicate them to the interested parties in accordance with industry standards.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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