I was always interested in mechanics when I was a teenager and got a job at a engine rebuild machine shop. After learning about that stuff, I worked at a couple of forklift dealers for 8 years and then went out on my own as an independent. That was 28 years ago. It sure is a sense of freedom when I can call all the shots on how things are doing to be done. So, I've been a forklift field tech for 36 years. That's all I've ever been, but I'm retiring early, I think.
I've gotten to the point of doing everything at the customers place, as long as they approve. It just seems to go faster and they save the cost and time spent to transport their lift. Most people have a second forklift if needed to take the counterweight, mast, or trans/engine out. If not, a chain fall usually can be hooked up. I always make sure that a major cleanup is done when finished.