Earth-moving equipment mechanic: Tuhafeni Ndamuasha
Tuhafeni Ndamuasha is an earth-moving equipment mechanic who works on heavy machinery. His work forms an essential part of any construction project, providing a strong foundation for new structures.Without it, any structure would be built on shaky ground.
It's an integral aspect of various projects, encompassing the construction of highways, dams, airports, pipelines and mining operations.
"As an earth-moving equipment mechanic, I get to encounter a diverse range of challenges and experiences every day. This suits me, as I am not one for stale normality."
He described himself as a businessman and a father.
"I spend most of my free time with my family and travelling," he said.
Big job
Earth-moving equipment mechanics specialise in maintaining and repairing heavy machinery crucial to various construction and mining operations.
Their responsibilities encompass performing routine maintenance and diagnosing faults reported by operators. Mechanics inspect machinery to identify issues, often dismantling engines partially to assess components for damage or wear. Repairs are then executed, which may involve organising replacement parts or even manufacturing custom components when necessary, using tools like micrometres and dynamometers.
These professionals are proficient in repairing fuel systems and maintaining all mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and fuel-related systems of construction equipment. Their expertise ensures the reliability and efficiency of equipment used in projects like highways, dams, airports, pipelines, and mining sites.
Opportunities
Earth-moving equipment mechanics are employed by companies that sell and service such machinery, large construction and civil engineering firms and government departments. They may also find opportunities in the irrigation and tractor manufacturing industries. Some mechanics opt for self-employment, leveraging their experience and capital to establish independent businesses.
The nature of their work occasionally requires travel to job sites or rural areas where machinery is operated, although most tasks are typically conducted indoors within workshop environments. This career path demands a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities and a thorough understanding of machinery systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity of earth-moving equipment in diverse operational conditions.