A Diesel mechanic has more experience with the diesel engine on a day-to-day basis as they are working on them constantly for long periods at a time. Diesel mechanics don’t usually need much formal education because it is their job to work in this field already every day. Diesel mechanics need years of hands-on experience operating machinery like hydraulic jacks and arc welders, heavy cutting tools – often without safety equipment (due to cost) – plus an understanding of how machines run that comes from being around them consistently over time.