72401

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 724 › 7240

Definition

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. They are employed by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required
Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools
Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications
Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment
Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
May perform repair work on heavy trucks
May attach components and adjust new farm equipment.
Heavy-duty mechanics may specialize in specific types of machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles, or in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel injection, hydraulics or electronics.

Example job titles

•agricultural equipment technician
•construction equipment mechanic
•diesel mechanic - heavy equipment
•farm equipment mechanic
•heavy equipment mechanic
•heavy mobile logging equipment mechanic
•heavy mobile mining equipment mechanic
•heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprentice

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, heavy-duty equipment mechanics are classified under NOC code 72401. This occupation falls under TEER Category 2, making skilled professionals in this field eligible for major Canadian economic immigration pathways, including the Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). These professionals play a critical role in Canada's industrial sectors by diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heavy-duty mobile equipment used in construction, forestry, mining, and agriculture.

To qualify for Canadian immigration under NOC 72401, candidates must demonstrate they perform the core duties outlined by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Standard duties include troubleshooting hydraulic systems, repairing electrical components, and overhauling engines or transmissions. Employment requirements typically include the completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade. Trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta, while voluntary in other provinces and territories.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please refer to official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines or consult a regulated Canadian immigration specialist for professional assistance.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.