Small Engine Mechanics

Career summary

Small engine mechanics may also be called power equipment technicians.

Small engine mechanics work on items such as:

• Lawnmowers
• Chain saws
• Garden tractors
• Portable generators

Mechanics maintain small engines by inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting them. They replace worn or broken parts, such as spark plugs, valves, and carburetors.

When engines break down, mechanics talk to customers to figure out the problem. They may test engines or the quality of parts by using computers.

Once they locate the problem, mechanics either repair or install new parts. Repair work may include tuning ignition systems, honing cylinders, and installing new bearings. Small engine mechanics follow service manual directions to repair engines. They use tools such as lathes, boring machines, or grinders.

Once they have made the repairs, mechanics put the engines back in the equipment and test it to be sure it is running properly. Mechanics record what repairs they made and how much time they spent.

Small engine mechanics may work on only one type of engine, such as chain saws. Some mechanics work for dealers and repair only the product they sell.

Many mechanics sell parts and equipment. They also help customers learn how to maintain their equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Bicycle Repairers
• Boilermakers
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Farm Equipment Mechanics
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Locksmiths
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Motorcycle Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to small engine mechanics.

• Perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling parts.
• Test and inspect engines to locate problems or missing and broken parts.
• Position engines on and bolt them to repair stands.
• Use engine analyzers, voltmeters, ammeters, and other equipment to test engines.
• Take apart engines and motors using hand tools. Look for flaws and clean parts.
• Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools.
• Grind or drill parts so they fit better. Use grinders, taps, and boring machines.
• Reassemble engines and listen to them to find problems.
• Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
• Sell parts and equipment.
• Show customers how to maintain equipment.

Common work activities

Small engine mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Use computers
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information
• Teach others
• Establish and maintain relationships

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, small engine mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of contact with others. They talk to customers on the phone or in person to learn about engine problems, but work alone most of the time.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of those who use the engines they repair.
• Occasionally must deal with unpleasant or rude customers.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors. Mechanics may on occasion work outdoors to test engines.
• Regularly are exposed to contaminants.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous equipment, situations, and conditions.
• Often wear protective or safety gear.
• Sometimes are exposed to engine noise that is distracting or uncomfortable.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in equipment failure or injuries to equipment owners.
• Must meet daily and weekly repair deadlines.
• Determine most of their daily tasks and goals independently. Work is often dictated by what customers bring to them.

Hours/travel

• May work less than 40 hours a week during the winter months. Those who work in northern states and repair snowblowers and snowmobiles may work more in winter.
• May work more than 40 hours a week during the spring or summer, when people use their equipment the most.
• May work evenings or weekends during the summer to finish jobs on time.

Physical demands

Small engine mechanics frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for small engine mechanics to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for small engine mechanics to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Small engine mechanics need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Work with things

• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Small Engine Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Agricultural Technologies
• Automotive Technology
• Boat Maintenance and Repair
• Diesel Technology
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
• Industrial Mechanics
• Machine Shop Technology
• Motorcycle Repair

Training

To work as a small engine mechanic, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some small engine mechanics learn their skills through formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer the programs. Most programs offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Programs last from six months to two years. Two-year programs usually grant an associate degree. Other programs grant a certificate. The number of schools offering these programs is limited.

On-the-job training

Most small engine mechanics get training on the job from experienced mechanics. You begin by working as a helper. As a helper, you perform routine services and make minor repairs. As you get more experience, you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• replace parts;
• service electrical systems; and
• overhaul engines.

On-the-job training usually lasts two to three months. It may last longer for those who did not also have formal training.

#no listed apprenticeship programs on L&I site 4/22/08 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

As small engines become more complex, employers may have a harder time doing all the training on the job. An increasing number of employers prefer to hire mechanics who graduated from formal training programs.

Employers look for small engine mechanics who have a basic knowledge of electronics. Electronics control engine performance and instrument displays on outdoor power equipment. To recognize and fix problems, mechanics need to know the basic rules of electronics.

For small engine trainee jobs, employers hire people who have mechanical ability. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for trainee positions. They accept applicants who have less education if they have good reading, writing, and math skills. Many equipment dealers hire students in the summer. Students help put together new equipment and make minor repairs.

Certification through the Equipment & Engine Training Council, listed in the Other Resources section of this description, may be helpful. Some employers seek applicants who have experience working on both two- and four-cycle engines.

#Assn still offers certification; WorkSource Lewis Co job posted 3/14/07 required exp w/ both types of engines, 4/2/07, CJ. Checked assn info 4/8/09 & 4/26/11, 3/31/15 cj. EETC now offers tech training rather than the OPEESA, so changed info 1/30/17 cj.

Tips

Employees who relate well to the public are preferred. Many employers hire people who have some technical training and are willing to continually upgrade their skills. Obtaining and studying manufacturers' technical manuals is helpful. Applicants with interests related to their specialty, such as motorcycle riding and boating, may be preferred by employers. Talk with local shop managers to assess job prospects in your area.

Costs to workers

Workers are usually required to furnish their own hand tools. The cost varies.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies by employer, area of the country, and the mechanic's level of skill.

Small engine mechanics who work full time often receive benefits. These benefits may include paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers pay for work-related training and provide uniforms. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on consumer demand for small gasoline powered machines and vehicles used for work and leisure. As equipment ages, older machines are being replaced by technically advanced equipment. This and new emission control standards have created some demand for highly trained technicians. Some consumers buy new equipment and discard older equipment, which bypasses repairers. Newer equipment is also less subject to breakdowns.

However, customers who buy new equipment are usually willing to invest in annual service and maintenance work. For some shops, annual service and maintenance on equipment accounts for the majority of their business. During economic downturns, consumers are more likely to repair than replace equipment.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Equipment dealers
• Lawn and garden supplies stores
• Engine repair shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow as fast as average. As small engines become more sophisticated people will need to take their equipment to mechanics for repair.

Most job openings will occur as current mechanics transfer to other jobs or retire. Job opportunities will be good for people who complete formal mechanic training programs.

Other resources

Equipment & Engine Training Council 
344 Oak Grove Rd
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
888.406.1810
803.222.6149

Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association 
1605 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.549.7608

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics (49-3053.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Engine Repairer, Production (625.381-010) 
• Engine Repairer, Service (625.281-018) 
• Gas-engine Repairer (625.281-026) 
• Magneto Repairer (721.281-022) 
• Power-saw Mechanic (625.281-030) 
• Small-engine Mechanic (625.281-034) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled