What is the Difference between Technician or Mechanic?
When someone says the word 鈥渕别肠丑补苍颈肠鈥� we usually conjure up an image of a hard-working laborer with stained, rough hands holding a wrench and wearing a dark uniform while working on an automobile or other large piece of machinery.
A "technician," on the other hand, often makes us think of an individual in a clean uniform using electronic equipment to diagnose some complex pieces of machinery.
Is there a difference? The purpose of this blog post is to explore that question in the context of the heavy equipment industry.
Dictionary Definition of Mechanic and Technician
The defines a as 鈥渁 person who repairs machines (such as car engines) and keeps them running properly.鈥� It defines a as 鈥渁 person whose job relates to the practical use of machines or science in industry, medicine, etc.鈥� or 鈥渁 specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation.鈥�
As you can see, both words have quite similar meanings that focus on machines and on the repair, installation, and maintenance of machines and associated components, so the answer doesn't seem to lie simply in looking up the correct definition.
Differing Views on the Difference
One on explains the difference this way: a mechanic can take a machine apart and put it back together, while a technician focuses more on diagnosing problems with the machine and making simple repairs and tweaks. In short, technicians may use more 
advanced technical tools, but mechanics can still get the job done without them.
Others will say that the difference lies in the job someone is doing at any given moment. Let's look at an example. Technicians use a specialized type of knowledge to interpret test results, error codes, diagnostic results, etc. to identify the type of problem present while it falls to the mechanic to fix the problem that was discovered. When someone is testing the performance of your final drive on a hydraulic test bench, they would be classified as a technician. However, when they are making repairs to said hydraulic motor they would be a mechanic.
Many say that 鈥渕别肠丑补苍颈肠鈥� should simply be replaced with 鈥渢别肠丑苍颈肠颈补苍.鈥�&苍产蝉辫; The argument is that the complexity of equipment and interaction with advanced system required in regular equipment repairs false much better under the definition of technician than mechanic. The mechanic of today most likely uses a as part of their work daily routine, and are very well versed in error codes and system diagnostics as well as repair techniques.
Some also feel that the term 鈥渢别肠丑苍颈肠颈补苍鈥� sounds much more professional than 鈥渕别肠丑补苍颈肠,鈥� thus commanding more respect and possibly more pay
There is an argument for keeping the word, mechanic, however. The term is very well known and rarely confused. You know that a mechanic will fix what is wrong with your bulldozer, proponents say, but when you say a technician is working on it 鈥� well, that could be an oil change technician is working on it. To some individuals, the term 鈥渕别肠丑补苍颈肠鈥� inspires more confidence than 鈥渢别肠丑苍颈肠颈补苍.鈥�
However, in the automotive repair industry the (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) has opted for the term "technician" in place of "mechanic": instead of being a Certified Master Mechanic you would now be a .
What's in a Word? Heavy 91影视t "Technician" or "Mechanic"
To some people, a technician sounds more highly trained than a mechanic 鈥� while to others a technician represents someone at the very bottom of the pay scale. The meaning of words go far beyond their dictionary definition, which is why it鈥檚 important to be careful what words we use.
At Texas Final Drive whether mechanic or technician all individuals here are considered professionals. Check out the latest free troubleshooter guide from the professionals on Excessive Noise in your final drive motor.