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Forum:

Safety, training & legislation

Discussion:

auto tech job change

Number of messages: 13

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gmtech
Wisconsin, United States

So as the title says I am an auto tech with an offer to be a forklift roadtech. I am wondering how many have done this isn't and how they like it?
I really cannot see any negatives to this change I have been an auto tech for twenty plus years and am tired of getting beat down by flat rate and warranty pay getting worse.
so I guess any advise anyone can give me would like to hear it
Thanks

Posted 29 Jan 2012 08:04 AM

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Jump_lead
west mids, United Kingdom

Having recruited several auto technicians here in the UK I have found that once up to speed on forklift regs i.e. chain and fork wear etc. they have proved to be great engineers.
It's all about the training and support you get.

Posted 29 Jan 2012 05:53 PM

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mrfixit
New York, United States

I would think you would need to spend some time in the shop before heading out on your own as a roadtech.

Posted 30 Jan 2012 00:06 AM

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Forkingabout
england, United Kingdom

Only things really shared between forklifts & cars will be the engine & auto transmission.

You would need some training up on the other aspects of forklifts.

Hydrostatic drive systems, hydraulics, forks, chains & masts, electric traction, lpg fuel systems to name a few for a start.

Posted 30 Jan 2012 03:50 AM

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MEngr
Missouri, United States

gmtech;
If you are looking to join field of power industrial truck technicians, you certainly have the basic skills needed. I'm in total agreement with mrfixit in spending time as an in shop tech. This would be the place to learn about the seven classes of vehicles and the various brands. In addition you will need to sharpen your people skills, strengthen your knowledge of liquid propane and natural gas fuel systems along with basic electrics and electronics, and along with these be able to work in various nasty enviorments. The worst enemy you will encouter is yourself. Be willing to inprovise and adapt. Learn everything you can of the regulations and rules in regards to the various classes of vehicles. Acquire the knowledge of reading schematics, maps, blueprints and manuals. Learn and strengthen your skill and knowledge of hydraulic circuits and their operational principles. Acquire the knowledge to open and close work orders with your dispatcher, provide service repair narratives both written and verbal for a customer and submit the necessary paperwork for the time worked and the repairs completed in an accurate and timely manner being able to account for 100% of your paid time. These are but a few suggestion one can give to you.

Posted 30 Jan 2012 12:50 AM

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RayTech
Ontario, Canada

Hey GM Tech. I was a former GM , Ford and general Tech for 22years. Got into the forklift business 8 years ago and never looked back. Finally, I'm treated like a human being now. Wish i got into forklifts sooner. I went from scrounging for hours, buying all my tools, work boots...you know the drill....To having a steady wage with great benefits and pension, all tools supplied with service van. I worked one week before going on my own. As an auto tech, you already know how to read a manual and work with computers. Forklifts are EASIER than late model cars to repair! If you could fix a new new Gm with 6 on board computers, you can fix Lift trucks. Go for it!

Posted 30 Jan 2012 01:00 PM

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gmtech
Wisconsin, United States

Thanks everyone
I know i will be in the shop a bit and then on the road with another tech for a while
Raytech sounds like you got to the point I am sick of the fighting for hours tired of the golden child so to speak who seems to get feed his pick of jobs and makes all the hours.
funny every month it is 12 hours avg for him and the other 5 techs all fighting for 8 but the service manager goes oh he doesnt get favored.
As for wiring etc my speciality there is drivablity and electrical I love looking at something and going right to the schematic and trying to figure out how it works.

The auto tech for a dealer will keep going down hill until they start to treat them better and pay better this fighting to get every tenth of an hour ***. Then they wonder why they cannot find good help

Posted 30 Jan 2012 01:29 PM

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Jplayer
North Carolina, United States

i am a road tech... been one for over 20yrs(for cat, yale)
i think you will like it once you get your training in (in the shop)
of course ;o) Just make sure you stowe yourself a pair of longjohns in the wintertime ... LoL :oD

Wish the best of luck to ya gmtech

-------------------------
John Player Jr
_________________
LiftOne, LLC
Charlotte, NC
Email: jplayer@liftone.net

Posted 31 Jan 2012 09:59 AM

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chublil
California, United States

GMTECH-One thing I liked about being a road guy for 18 years is all the people you meet. Different truck, different problem, different operators. Obvertime you will gain valuable experience that cannot be taught in a class. Have fun.

-------------------------
Fix it right!!!

Posted 2 Feb 2012 08:53 PM

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TheBirdman
Oklahoma, United States

I am working with several gentlemen with experience such as yourself. Learning about hydraulics is an ongoning thing. For the most part you'll be doing more bending over as opposed to crawling under. I say go with it! On another note, has anyone else noticed the lack of younger people willing to get in this profession?

Posted 14 Feb 2012 06:53 AM

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gmtech
Wisconsin, United States

Hi

Thanks everyone for the reply. i am going to change jobs and give it a try.
I can not really come up with any reasons not to the auto biz is going down hill fast.
birdman we have the same problem no young guys want to come in and then the ones you get have no clue and no common sense to think something out but i can see why.
you look at the amount of money you invest in tools the poor benefits the hours with no overtime and fighting to even make 40 a week with the flat rate system.

I think something has to change or you will be seeing all the good guys leave. Dont get me wrong i love working on cars love the challenge of them, but comes a time where i need to do something to provide for my family I waited long enough to try to see it change suggested ideas until i was blue but why would you change anything when you can have someone there all day and if he only makes 5 hours oh well
Once they change the flat rate system and the amount of warrenty they factory wants to pay you then maybe everything else will change

so off I go onto a new adventure and looking forward to it I have been excited about the change

thanks everyone

Posted 14 Feb 2012 07:33 AM

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Liftdoctor
Indiana, United States

I can say that the dealer I just left hired a lot of auto techs from GM, Ford, Chrysler. They have all worked out very well. Only about 2 out of 12 or 15 ever went back to working on cars. One was just such a non-verbal person, he just did not like dealing with customers. Can't say why the other one left.

Posted 14 Feb 2012 12:15 AM

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gmtech
Wisconsin, United States

Hi everyone thanks for all the replies

I did make the switch and must say so far I wish I had done it years ago.

Love the not wondering if I will make hours for the week and none of the headaches

Thanks for all the replies

Posted 27 Feb 2012 08:06 AM

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