Looking for a generator mechanic who also isn't an idiot

[zombiehunter]

A friend of mine runs a generator business and insists these people don't exist. Her example had something to do with her mech ran a test that used almost all the fuel but didn't tell anyone and then a month later the low fuel alarm went off and they had to scramble someone to turn it off and refill the tank when the original mech should have known that using X amount of fuel would drain the tanks. I'm probably wrong in something in there, but the short of it is her mechanics lack common sense.

I bet her it can't be that hard. So are any of you or the people you know skilled generator mechanics capable of a little bit of critical thinking?

 

[antco]

What company?

 

[capman98]

I work on gen sets on RV's all the time. That's probably not what your talking about though. All you need is a little common sense. but that is hard to come by today.

 

[willtill]

Common sense is an uncommon virtue... amongst the masses these days. Sad times we live in bro.....

 

[alpine44]

A friend of mine runs a generator business and insists these people don't exist. Her example had something to do with her mech ran a test that used almost all the fuel but didn't tell anyone and then a month later the low fuel alarm went off and they had to scramble someone to turn it off and refill the tank when the original mech should have known that using X amount of fuel would drain the tanks. I'm probably wrong in something in there, but the short of it is her mechanics lack common sense.

I bet her it can't be that hard. So are any of you or the people you know skilled generator mechanics capable of a little bit of critical thinking?

Having spent the last 25 years around airplanes and vessels, I can tell you that there are plenty of skilled and conscientious mechanics out there but they ask (and get) north of $75/hour and that is probably a whole lot more than your friend wants to pay.

 

[zombiehunter]

Having spent the last 25 years around airplanes and vessels, I can tell you that there are plenty of skilled and conscientious mechanics out there but they ask (and get) north of $75/hour and that is probably a whole lot more than your friend wants to pay.

She has mentioned that this is an issue. It's not her fault, she doesn't own the company, just manages it so has rules to follow. Her other issues is that she's having a hard time ensuring 40 hour weeks to her crews.

 

[antco]

Which company is it?

 

[Mark75H]

Its about the cash; simply you get what you pay for.


Too easy to make more money, a lot more money, doing something else like IT or new cars at a dealership.

Like Alpine says, I bet she doesn't have any "mechanics" being paid more than $75k. I have not worked on generators full time for more than 25 years for this reason alone.

When her boss complains to her, she needs to bring it up.

 

[zombiehunter]

Which company is it?

Sorry, not going to bring it up.

Its about the cash; simply you get what you pay for.


Too easy to make more money, a lot more money, doing something else like IT or new cars at a dealership.

Like Alpine says, I bet she doesn't have any "mechanics" being paid more than $75k. I have not worked on generators full time for more than 25 years for this reason alone.

When her boss complains to her, she needs to bring it up.

I'll ask them what they're paying...definitely sounds like this is the problem.

 

[antco]

Then where are they located?

 

[Ranchero50]

Ditto, location and cash flow are big limiters for talent...

Generators are pretty simple to repair or work on. Bearings, brushes, regulator or flash the field winding fixes 99% of them. I've flashed a Harley and even a 40' trailer mounted 16 cylinder Cat and both took right off.

 

[new_shooter]

I know a great generator mechanic. But he's out in Oregon, and retired.

One of the most naturally intelligent people I've ever met.

 

[Mark75H]

Ditto, location and cash flow are big limiters for talent...

Generators are pretty simple to repair or work on. Bearings, brushes, regulator or flash the field winding fixes 99% of them. I've flashed a Harley and even a 40' trailer mounted 16 cylinder Cat and both took right off.

Computer control boards for regulation and auto start & auto maintenance can be very complicated ... a real tech would be able to trouble shoot the board rather than just depending on carrying that particular board to replace if he suspected a problem. Makes it a lot more complicated than the generator itself. You also left out all the possible motor troubleshooting needed, as if the motor wasn't even there.

 

[Hotrod Diesel]

OP: tell your friend she should expect to pay 100k+ a year, provide a service vehicle, company phone, company computer, continuous factory training, and provide specialized tooling.

If they can't keep guys busy in this region, they need to close up shop, more standby generators in md/ dc / nova than anywhere else in the states.

I am an epg field service tech...

 

[zombiehunter]

Central Maryland location.

Hotrod, I'll get some more details and figure out what their issue is. I have a feeling that's the issue, they're getting what they pay for...

 

[Krinklesac]

I've been turning a wrench for 30+ years and now run 75+ techs every day. Your generator friend needs to refine her interview questions as well as making a practical exam to prove troubleshooting skills.
She gets what she pays for - plenty of good tech exist but she needs to do the hard work to find and then keep them.

 

[zombiehunter]

It's as guessed. They're getting what they're paying for. Her owner seems to think $30ish/hr...so she's getting stuck with bottom of the barrel employees. /shrug not my problem lol

 

[Hotrod Diesel]

It's as guessed. They're getting what they're paying for. Her owner seems to think $30ish/hr...so she's getting stuck with bottom of the barrel employees. /shrug not my problem lol

It depends on what perks they have. $30/ hour, with a take home company vehicle, paid for travel, and OT is not hateful.

With that being said, its either reputation or lack of steady work.

I am curious what company this is. Atleast tell me if they are an engine manufacturer's dealer...

 

[tsmith1499]

Buddy of mine works at Alban and has NO problem with hours or money. He also has all the above mentioned perks. Truck, computer, phone etc.

 

[Rleepremier]

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