How to Be Hydraulic Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 2, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for hydraulic technicians has increased significantly due to the need for more efficient and reliable machinery in a variety of industries. By mastering the principles of hydraulics, these technicians are able to repair, install, and maintain hydraulic systems in vehicles, aircraft, ships, construction equipment, and other industrial machinery. The ability to work with complex systems and components that involve a high pressure environment makes them invaluable to companies, as they can help reduce downtime and associated costs.

Furthermore, due to the wide range of tools and technologies used in hydraulics, these technicians must be knowledgeable about the various types of components and how to safely use them. As a result, companies are more likely to hire experienced technicians who can quickly identify problems and develop effective solutions.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. A high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming a hydraulic technician. This will provide you with a strong foundation of math, science, and mechanical skills.
Consider a Technical School. Consider attending a technical school to obtain a certificate or associates degree in hydraulics. You will learn about the fundamentals of hydraulics, including basic principles, terminology, and the use of tools.
Get On-the-Job Training. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have experience in the field. You can gain this experience through internships or apprenticeships with a hydraulic equipment manufacturer.
Take Continuing Education Courses. To stay up-to-date on the latest technology in the field, you should take continuing education courses throughout your career. These courses will help you remain knowledgeable about the newest advancements in hydraulic technology.
Become Certified. Certification is not required to become a hydraulic technician, but it can help you stand out from other applicants. The Fluid Power Society offers certification programs for hydraulic technicians at various levels of experience and knowledge.

In order to remain competent and up-to-date as a hydraulic technician, it is important to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. This can include reading industry publications, attending seminars and workshops, and networking with other professionals. Keeping up with advances in technology, such as new types of hydraulic components and systems, is also important.

staying current with safety regulations can help to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner. By taking these steps, a hydraulic technician can benefit from increased knowledge and skills, resulting in improved job performance and a higher overall level of job satisfaction.

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Job Description

Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, including pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, and other components.
Install and test new hydraulic systems, as well as troubleshoot existing systems.
Determine root causes of hydraulic system failures and develop appropriate corrective actions.
Monitor levels of fluids and replace as necessary.
Perform regular maintenance and servicing of hydraulic equipment.
Troubleshoot and repair any electrical problems associated with hydraulic systems.
Read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and blueprints to identify necessary repairs or modifications.
Maintain accurate records of all maintenance and repairs performed on hydraulic systems.
Fabricate components as necessary for repairs or modifications.
Train other technicians on the proper operation and maintenance of hydraulic systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hydraulic systems, components and operations
Ability to read and understand hydraulic schematics and diagrams
Familiarity with industry standards, codes and regulations
Ability to use and maintain specialized hydraulic tools and equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hydraulic system issues
Ability to assemble and disassemble hydraulic components
Ability to fabricate and repair hydraulic hoses
Ability to perform preventive maintenance on hydraulic systems
Knowledge of safety protocols when working with hydraulic systems
Knowledge of basic computer operation to enter and retrieve data from databases or other resources

Having a strong understanding of hydraulics is essential for hydraulic technicians, as it allows them to troubleshoot complex hydraulic systems. An effective hydraulic technician should have a clear understanding of how a hydraulic system works and how its components interact with each other. They should also possess the necessary technical skills, such as being able to read schematics, interpret technical manuals and be able to effectively diagnose and repair hydraulic systems.

In addition to these technical skills, hydraulic technicians should also possess the ability to think critically and have the ability to communicate effectively with their colleagues and customers. Having these skills allows them to efficiently diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, thus minimizing downtime and increasing customer satisfaction.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in hydraulic systems?
How do you troubleshoot hydraulic systems?
Describe a challenging project you worked on involving hydraulics.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with hydraulics?
What are the most common causes of hydraulic system failure?
How would you use a pressure gauge to diagnose a hydraulic problem?
Explain the importance of regular maintenance for hydraulic systems.
How do you ensure accuracy when installing and connecting hydraulic components?
What have you done to stay up to date with the latest developments in hydraulics technology?
What strategies do you use to minimize downtime when repairing hydraulic systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Impact Wrenches. A power tool that uses an internal hammering mechanism to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Ingersoll Rand 231C)
Torque Wrenches. A tool used to measure and apply a specific amount of torque to a nut or bolt. (eg: Craftsman 9-21919)
Tube Benders. A device used to bend the shape of a metal tube. (eg: Kaka Industrial TB-50)
Hydraulic Presses. A machine used to generate a force via a hydraulic cylinder. (eg: Dake HSP-30)
Crimping Tools. A tool used to join two pieces of metal by crushing them together. (eg: Gardner Bender GSW-53)
Die Grinders. A rotary power tool used to grind and sharpen metal. (eg: Ingersoll Rand 302B)
Electric Drills. A handheld power tool used to drill holes into various materials. (eg: Milwaukee 0240-20)
Pipe Cutters. A tool used to cut through tough materials such as pipes and tubing. (eg: Ridgid 31130)
Power Saws. A power tool used to cut through various materials using a reciprocating blade. (eg: Makita 5377MG)
Hydraulic Jacks. A device used to lift heavy objects using hydraulic pressure. (eg: OTC 1532A)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Fluid Power Society (IFPS)
National Fluid Power Association (NFPA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

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Common Important Terms

Pneumatics. The branch of engineering that deals with the use of pressurized air or gas to power machines and tools.
Hydraulics. A branch of engineering that deals with the study, design, and operation of machinery that is powered by the use of pressurized liquids.
Valves. Devices used to control the flow of liquids or gases.
Fittings. Connectors used to join pipes, hoses, and other components in a hydraulic system.
Cylinders. Devices used to create linear motion in a hydraulic system.
Filters. Devices used to remove contaminants from hydraulic fluid.
Seals. Components designed to contain fluid or gas within a hydraulic system.
Pumps. Devices used to move fluid through a hydraulic system.
Actuators. Components used to convert energy into motion in a hydraulic system.
Reservoirs. Devices used to store, cool, and condition hydraulic fluid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hydraulic Technician?

A Hydraulic Technician is a specialist who is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing hydraulic systems. This includes analyzing problems, performing repairs, and testing the performance of the system.

What skills are needed to be a Hydraulic Technician?

To be a successful Hydraulic Technician, one must have a thorough understanding of hydraulics, mechanics, and engineering principles. They must also have excellent troubleshooting skills and be able to read technical drawings and schematics.

What type of equipment do Hydraulic Technicians use?

Hydraulic Technicians use a variety of tools and equipment to complete their tasks, such as hand tools, power tools, pressure gauges, and flow meters. They also use specialized computer software to analyze data and make necessary adjustments to the system.

What type of training is required for a Hydraulic Technician?

Most employers require that potential Hydraulic Technicians hold a post-secondary degree in engineering or related field. It is also beneficial to have additional certifications or training in hydraulics or related fields.

What are the job prospects for a Hydraulic Technician?

The job prospects for Hydraulic Technicians are expected to remain strong over the next decade due to increased demand in the industry. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled technicians will continue to rise.

Web Resources

Hydraulic Laboratory Technician Career Center | University of ... careers.usc.edu
Hydraulic Laboratory Technician Opportunity | CBE Intranet intranet.be.uw.edu
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Automation Technology - Spokane scc.spokane.edu