All automotive vehicles require maintenance, but due to their sheer size, heavy-duty automotive vehicles, such as back hoes, steamrollers, tractors and more, require a significant amount of upkeep.
Servicing heavy-duty automotive equipment contains all the challenges of regular automotive service with the additional issues of dealing with equipment that is very large and has unique specifications and parts associated with it. As a result, it can take years to acquire all the knowledge and skills required for heavy-duty auto repair. According to Construction Equipment, it can take up to seven years to train technicians in this field, which is why most contractors outsource repairs rather than having an in-house team.
“It takes years for technicians to acquire skills to service heavy-duty vehicles.”
Challenges for heavy-duty auto technicians
Why does this profession take so long to learn? Heavy-duty auto technicians face a job that is tougher than the average auto technician. Like any technician, these professionals work with chemicals like hydraulic fluids, gasoline and antifreeze that are harmful to hands. Moreover, they frequently deal with sharp objects. For heavy-duty auto workers, all these tasks take place on an even larger scale. Construction equipment typically weighs several tons or more. This means the frames are much larger than typical automobiles, often requiring a stronger grip.
Companies tend to run their heavy-duty equipment for longer periods of time, sometimes 24 hours a day, seven days per week. As a result, this equipment acquires significant wear and tear, leading to a greater need for repairs. Moreover, companies have begun to realize that implementing a preventative maintenance plan is the most cost-effective means to protect vehicle fleets, resulting in more consistent trips to the technician.
Premium gloves for tough environments
In a heavy-duty environment, only the toughest gloves will do. These tough jobs require technicians to wear premium gloves for protection. Technicians would be wise to go for gloves that have a longer duration of use, raised textures for an enhanced grip and extended cuffs to protect the forearm. Nitrile or latex gloves are the best choice because of their chemical protection, puncture resistance and comfort.
Gloveworks Heavy Duty Orange Nitrile Gloves and GlovePlus Black Nitrile Gloves are good options because they hold up to longer use with three times the puncture resistance of latex. Xtreme Extra Long Nitrile Exam Gloves and GlovePlus Heavy Duty Nitrile Exam Gloves are 12 inches long – a full two inches longer than the average disposable glove.
Latex has greater elasticity than nitrile, providing more comfort in harsh environments. Gloveworks Heavy Duty Latex Industrial Gloves provide superior protection to the average latex glove. GlovePlus Heavy Duty Blue Latex Exam Gloves offer extended length as well.
