by Southern States Toyotalift, on Oct 25, 2024 11:48:22 AM
If you or someone you know has experience working on cars and wants a job that pays well, working as a forklift mechanic may be a great fit. SST forklift technicians enjoy:
- Competitive hourly pay (no flat rate work)
- A 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Paid time off
The work itself is more interesting and more rewarding. When the call comes in, forklift techs jump in the service van and save the day. Why not use the skills you already have to be a superhero for local businesses?
Read on to learn more about the training we offer and what forklift technicians do. Or, go straight to our list of job openings for mechanics.
Auto Mechanic vs. Forklift Mechanic
Anyone with training or experience as an auto mechanic can become a forklift technician. Forklifts have engines, transmissions, brakes and steering similar to cars. The tools you’ll use will be familiar as well: impact wrenches, ratchets, welding tools and diagnostic computers.
The biggest difference between working on a forklift versus a passenger vehicle is, of course, the forklift’s hydraulic system. There are also additional safety measures you’ll need to learn.
Our forklift techs who previously worked as auto mechanics tell us they like the forklift gig a lot better. There's no flat rate work, you don’t have to stand on concrete all day, and team members go out of their way to support each other. There’s also a lot more variety. One day you’ll install a forklift attachment, the next day replace a lift chain and the next day diagnose and repair an electric forklift.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Judging by this thread on Reddit, auto mechanics who become forklift mechanics switch jobs and never look back.
Forklift Mechanic Training
At SST, every new forklift technician receives extensive training with a master tech. Most new hires start out as Certified Scheduled Maintenance Field Technicians (see job descriptions below).
Over time, you’ll learn what problems to expect from different makes and models. With experience and additional training, SM Techs can become forklift field technicians.
Forklift Mechanic Jobs
Scheduled Maintenance Field Technician: SM Techs visit customers, inspect forklifts and provide basic maintenance. SM Techs can also recommend parts replacement and additional repairs.
Field Technician: Also known as a Road Tech, these “journeyman” forklift mechanics travel to different customer locations and provide on-site repairs. They get a company phone, computer, company vehicle and gas card.
Road Techs have at least 3-5 years of experience working on forklifts and receive factory training. They work independently and enjoy a lot of freedom, but they’re also held to a high standard.
Shop Technician: As the name suggests, shop technicians work at the dealership. They do pre-delivery inspections, recondition used forklifts and repair different types of material handling equipment. Shop technicians work regular business hours and get weekends off.
Forklift Mechanic Pay
The average salary for a forklift mechanic in the United States is $55,000 per year. Experienced mechanics can make $76,000 or more.
Now Hiring Automotive Technicians
SST offers competitive hourly pay and a premium salary to individuals with 5+ years of mechanic experience. Forklift technicians also receive commission from parts sales, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance. Tools are provided, and you’ll also get an annual boot allowance.
Our forklift technicians rarely work weekends, and vacation time is encouraged! Watch the video below to learn more about working for SST and hear from some of our current technicians.
We take pride in offering people a career, not just a job. SST has received the “Florida’s Best Companies to Work For” award multiple times and we have associates who have been with us for more than 30 years.
Once established, you can expand your knowledge and specialize in:
- IC (internal combustion) equipment
- Electric equipment
- Heavy diesel equipment
- Power (industrial battery team)
- Loading dock equipment
- Dock doors
Our goal is to help people grow into their potential. We offer ongoing professional development and strive to be a place where people are proud to work and want to stay for many years. Many of our managers across the company started as technicians.
To learn more, contact us online, by phone at (800) 226-2345 or in person at one of our ten locations throughout Georgia and Florida
GEORGIA: Albany, Macon, Midland, Valdosta
FLORIDA: Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, Winter Haven
Further Reading
Forklift Technicians Compete for Quality Cup
We Can Fix That: Everything We Service and Repair
SST Culture (video)
