Hydraulic Technician

General DescriptionThe Hydraulics Technician is a senior hands-on role responsible for advanced diagnostics, complex hydraulic system repairs, installations, commissioning and technical support across the company's rental fleet. This technician leads and mentors lower-level staff, ensures work quality, and acts as the technical authority on fluid power systems across mobile and industrial equipment.The Level 3 Technician plays a key role in ensuring equipment reliability, maximising fleet availability and driving continuous improvement in hydraulic performance. The role requires extensive knowledge of specialised heavy equipment including ABI foundation equipment, SANY crawler cranes, Kubota drilling rigs and hydraulic vibro hammer systems, ensuring repairs are completed safely, efficiently and to OEM standards.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment including diesel driven dewatering pumps, electric dewatering pumps, air compressors, diesel generators, hydraulic power packs and associated rental fleet equipment.Lead teardown, failure analysis, overhaul and complex repairs of hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, manifolds, accumulators and hydraulic power units.Perform precise testing, calibration and commissioning of hydraulic systems using advanced diagnostic equipment including hydraulic flow meters, pressure transducers, contamination monitors, particle counters and electronic diagnostic tools.Perform diagnostics, fault finding and repairs on hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, motors, hoses, manifolds and electro-hydraulic systems. Support installation and removal of hydraulic components on equipment or machinery.Troubleshoot high-pressure, load-sensing, pilot-operated, proportional and electro-hydraulic systems across a wide range of mobile and fixed equipment.Supervise or carry out installation and commissioning of new hydraulic systems or major hydraulic modifications.Respond to customer breakdowns and perform mobile repairs and maintenance on-site as required.Carry out Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) on hydraulic component failures and recommend permanent corrective actions.Read and interpret complex hydraulic and electrical schematics for fault diagnosis and repair.Manufacture, install and pressure test hydraulic hose assemblies where required.Maintain hydraulic cleanliness standards and contamination control practices in accordance with OEM recommendations.Ensure all repairs are completed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company quality standards.Follow all workplace safety procedures including proper PPE use, hydraulic isolation procedures, Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and hydraulic safety practices.Ensure safe working practices are carried out at all times in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and company policies.Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, commissioning reports and hydraulic testing results.Mentor, coach and train Level 1 and Level 2 Hydraulics Technicians, ensuring safe working practices and continual skills development.Support the Hydraulic Foreman with workload planning, technical guidance and continuous improvement initiatives.Specialist Equipment KnowledgeThe successful candidate shall possess advanced working knowledge and fault-finding capability on specialised heavy construction and foundation equipment including:ABI Foundation EquipmentAdvanced diagnostics of ABI piling and drilling rigs.Hydraulic rotary head systems.Rotary head gearbox hydraulic functions.Kelly bar and crowd systems.Mast raising and lowering hydraulic circuits.Hydraulic clamping systems.Main control valve diagnostics.Hydraulic winches.Hydraulic slew systems.CAN Bus diagnostics and troubleshooting.Interpretation of ABI hydraulic and electrical schematics.Hydraulic commissioning following major repairs.Pressure and flow testing of hydraulic circuits.Fault diagnosis using ABI diagnostic software where applicable.SANY Crawler CranesHydraulic winch systems.Boom hoist hydraulic systems.Swing drive hydraulic systems.Travel motor hydraulic systems.Track drive systems.Main control valve diagnostics.Pilot control systems.Load sensing hydraulic circuits.Counterweight hydraulic functions.Crane safety hydraulic interlocks.Hydraulic commissioning and functional testing following repairs.Kubota Drilling RigsRotary drive hydraulic systems.Feed and pull-down hydraulic circuits.Stabiliser hydraulic systems.Hydraulic power packs.Auxiliary hydraulic functions.Pump and motor diagnostics.Pressure testing.Flow testing.Hydraulic cylinder overhaul.Preventative maintenance and system commissioning.Vibro Hammer SystemsComprehensive understanding of hydraulic vibro hammer equipment including:ABI Vibro HammersICE Vibro EquipmentResponsibilities include:Hydraulic vibration motor diagnostics.Clamp system diagnostics.Hydraulic power pack operation.Pressure and flow optimisation.Cooling system diagnostics.Hydraulic accumulator testing.Hydraulic hose installation.Commissioning following repair.Hydraulic leak detection.Hydraulic performance optimisation.Qualification RequirementsEducationTrade Certification in Mechanical Fitting, Fluid Power, Hydraulic Engineering or equivalent recognised trade qualification.ExperienceMinimum 5+ years of hands-on experience with hydraulic systems including troubleshooting, repairs, overhauls and installations.Demonstrated experience working on heavy mobile plant, construction equipment, foundation equipment or industrial hydraulic systems.Skilled in using advanced hydraulic diagnostic and testing equipment including hydraulic testers, pressure gauges, flow meters and contamination monitoring equipment.Extensive knowledge of hydraulic theory, fluid dynamics and system behaviour.Proven experience diagnosing complex hydraulic faults on OEM equipment.Experience with CAN Bus diagnostic systems is highly desirable.Essential SkillsAdvanced hydraulic troubleshooting and diagnostics.Hydraulic schematic interpretation.Electro-hydraulic systems.Load sensing hydraulic systems.CAN Bus diagnostics.Hydraulic contamination control.Root Cause Failure Analysis.Hydraulic commissioning.Strong mechanical aptitude.Leadership and mentoring ability.Excellent problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Strong communication skills.Computer literacy including CMMS/ERP systems.Willingness to work in a dynamic, physically demanding environment.Working ConditionsExposure to noisy workshop and construction site environments.Exposure to high-pressure hydraulic systems and mechanical hazards.Frequent lifting of moderate to heavy hydraulic components.Working indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency breakdowns when required.Regular travel to customer sites throughout the operating region.Physical stamina for prolonged periods standing, kneeling, climbing and working around heavy machinery.